07/27/2026, 6:36 PM

Primed for significant role

Memphis has a three-way competition brewing for No. 1 point guard duties ahead of training camp, featuring Scotty Pippen (toe), Ty Jerome (ankle) and Spencer. Even if he fails to seize a starting position to open the year, Spencer is far more likely than D'Angelo Russell to play meaningful minutes in the backcourt off the bench for the rebuilding Grizzlies. Kentavious Caldwell-Pope (finger) also agreed to a buyout with Memphis on Saturday, further improving Spencer's chances of claiming a big role with the second unit.

07/27/2026, 6:26 PM

Competing for top point guard role

Pippen will have to gain clearance ahead of training camp after undergoing a toe procedure in March, but he certainly appears to be a winner of the team's offseason moves. Ty Jerome (ankle) poses a significant risk to Pippen's role, however, and the two guards figure to engage in a battle for the top role at the point this fall. Pippen is looking to bounce back following an injury-ruined 2025-26 campaign, during which he averaged 11.4 points, 4.7 assists, 2.2 rebounds and 1.9 steals in 21.2 minutes per game across 10 regular-season appearances (six starts).

07/27/2026, 6:20 PM

Rises up depth chart

Scotty Pippen (toe) appears to be the early favorite for the starting spot at point guard, but there's no denying how effective Jerome was when healthy in 2025-26. Across 15 regular-season appearances, Jerome averaged a hyper-efficient 19.7 points, 5.7 assists, 2.8 rebounds and 1.1 steals in just 22.6 minutes per game. Pippen underwent a toe procedure in March, so it remains to be seen if he'll be cleared for full participation in training camp this fall.