With their rotation stretched thin and injuries piling up to key stars, the Golden State Warriors have been searching for answers wherever they can find them. Depth has suddenly become a necessity rather than a luxury, and recent open roster spots have created an opportunity for someone to step up. One of their two-way guards has done exactly that.

Fresh off a breakout 20-point performance that helped push the Warriors past the Phoenix Suns, an under-the-radar contributor has forced the front office to take notice. His string of clutch outings and steady play during a turbulent stretch made it clear he had outgrown his previous role.

On Saturday, Golden State rewarded that impact by converting Pat Spencer’s two-way deal into a standard NBA contract, securing him for the remainder of the season.

According to the NBA’s Salary Cap expert, Yossi Gozlan, Spencer will receive the prorated minimum salary of $857,804 for this season under his standard contract with the Warriors.

This is reportedly the most the Warriors can offer him to keep him available for the remaining regular-season games and the playoffs. Spencer is now on track to become a restricted free agent in the summer, as per ESPN’s Bobby Marks.

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The Warriors had two spots open after Thursday’s trade deadline, and they have now given one to Spencer. They could add another player to their roster, given the injuries.

Spencer, who played lacrosse for Loyola Maryland, didn’t turn to college basketball until he was 23. He eventually chose basketball as his calling, and he is now enjoying a career year in his third season at the Bay Arena. He is averaging 5.8 points, 2.2 rebounds, and 2.9 assists while shooting 42.3% from the field and 43.1% from beyond the three-point arc.

This mirrors the Kings’ recent four-year deal for Dylan Cardwell after his rookie blocks leadership, or the Sixers starting Dominick Barlow after his two-way stint.

He has played modest minutes when Curry has been healthy, but whenever the veteran star has missed games, Spencer has stepped in and delivered some splendid performances. He is averaging 11.0 PPG, 5.3 APG, 3.9 RPG, and 1.0 SPG from the 13 games that he has started for the Dubs.

While Spencer is filling one of the two remaining spots on the roster, it will be interesting to see who secures the next spot, as the Warriors need all hands on deck with the injuries they are suffering this season.

Warriors are reportedly looking to add Lonzo Ball to their roster

Lonzo Ball is one of the favorites to take up the final roster spot for the Golden State Warriors, as per reports via NBA Insider Jake L Fischer. This comes after Chris Haynes suggested that multiple teams have asked to review Ball’s medical records after expressing interest in adding him to the roster.

If the move to Bay Arena materializes, it will mark Ball’s third team within a year, following his offseason transition from the Chicago Bulls to the Cleveland Cavaliers. He appeared in 35 games for the Cavs, averaging 4.6 points per game while shooting 30% from the field and 27% from three-point range.

He was subsequently included in a three-team trade that sent him to the Utah Jazz, primarily as a salary dump. However, with Ball not fitting into the Jazz’s plans, he was waived, leading to his current situation.

His addition could provide the Warriors with valuable scoring and ball-handling depth off the bench. It represents a low-risk, high-reward opportunity for the Dubs.

The Warriors currently sit eighth in the Western Conference with a 28-24 record. They have already lost Jimmy Butler for the season to a torn ACL, and with Stephen Curry’s recent injury, they need players who can contribute in their absence.

Even their newly acquired star, Kristaps Porzingis, has missed several games due to Achilles tendinitis. Ball, with his experience and skill set in scoring and ball-handling, could prove to be a valuable bench addition for the Dubs.

If the Warriors eventually go for Ball, it will be interesting to see how the veteran guard performs off the bench. There’s a possibility of him finding his feet in Golden State, as he will play alongside some exceptional shooters.

Playing in a system alongside elite shooters like those on the Golden State Warriors could provide the ideal environment for a pass-first guard like Ball to revitalize his career and improve his offensive efficiency.