At long last, the Phoenix Suns will return to training camp later this month ahead of the new season, and two-way signing Pat Spencer is the player to watch out for when the team gets back together in Phoenix.
Spencer sure to bring intensity from day one
The 30-year-old is in a unique position in The Valley in that he is overqualified for his current role, as many were surprised the Suns could sign him to a two-way deal in the first place. The Suns also don't deploy a true point guard in their starting five but have a collection of guys all vying for that spot, should Jalen Green slip up (and many believe he will).
There is a pathway to a bigger role in Phoenix, as proven by Collin Gillespie going from a two-way standout to an eventual four-year, $48 million contract player, so Spencer knows if he plays well enough, he could follow the same trajectory.
The Suns don't have an elite floor general on their roster either, meaning Spencer can feel confident that if he comes in from day one and goes at Gillespie and Jamaree Bouyea, the coaching staff will take notice.
Jordan Goodwin does represent a problem for Spencer, as he plays with a similar tenacity and is the better defender. He is on his second stint with the organization as well, and they now know what they've got in the former Washington Wizard. He is a key part of so many of their best five-man groups.
Dillon Brooks may bring best out of Spencer at camp
It could be a case of history repeating itself, as 12 months ago, Dillon Brooks was the new face in town, and he and Gillespie hit it off right away. Brooks gave his teammate the nickname "Villain Jr.," and you just know he is going to enjoy playing with Spencer for the same reasons.
We're not sure "The Lacrosse Villain" or "Villain Jr. Squared" have quite the same ring to it, but Spencer and Brooks sure look like they could hit it off on the court.
The Suns were a top-10 defense last time out and have a roster full of dogs, so for Spencer to stand out in this group is going to take hard work. That is what he will bring from the jump and give Coach Jordan Ott a selection headache with how quickly he gels with the core of this roster.
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