Could Pat Spencer get drafted?

Technically, Pat Spencer already has been drafted. Before he arrived at Northwestern, he was selected seventh overall in the Major League Lacrosse draft in March 2019 and first overall in the Premier Lacrosse League’s draft one month later.

If Major League Lacrosse was drafting in October, Spencer would have somewhat of a shot at being picked. Unfortunately, it’s the NBA Draft this fall that we are talking about — and things aren’t looking as hot for Northwestern’s grad transfer guard.

During his only season with the Wildcats, Spencer averaged 10.4, 3.9 assists and 4.1 rebounds per game. The 6-foot-3 guard was efficient from the free-throw line — shooting a sharp 81 percent. He averaged over 43 percent on field goal attempts and was a strong defender averaging almost a steal per game and getting an occasional block.

Where Spencer falls short, is his inability to consistently hit a three-point jumper. He was 12-of-51, averaging 23.5 percent, from beyond the arc. In a league where guards are expected to shoot from range, Spencer’s troubles from deep severely handicap his chance to make it far.

Spencer was a graduate transfer which doesn’t help his case; NBA teams typically prioritize younger prospects to grow and develop.

However, Spencer decided he would officially pursue a professional basketball career after signing with Tandem Sports and Entertainment Agency — an agency that has represented Ja Morant, Tim Duncan, Grant Hill, Ray Allen and Dominique Wilkins in the past. But ultimately, it is more likely that Spencer will pursue basketball opportunities overseas.

The 2020 draft class is not a strong group of eye-popping players, but even in a down year, Spencer is the longest of long shots to be in the top 60 picks. But hey, there have been plenty of successful undrafted players like Ben Wallace, Fred VanVleet, Wesley Matthews and Jeremy Lin, so never give up Pat!