Golden State Warriors guard Pat Spencer delivered one of the most brutally honest takes of the preseason, calling out NBA teams that continue to prioritize athleticism over intelligence, and fans can’t help but agree.
After the Warriors’ preseason win over the Lakers, Spencer spoke candidly about what separates good organizations from the ones that stay trapped in the lottery.
“If you’re a guy who can connect the dots, do some other things, knock the 3 down, there’s always going to be a place for you in the NBA. There’s a lot of orgs that are stuck in the bottom that continue to value length and athleticism over IQ. They tend to stay in the lottery every year.”
The quote instantly went viral, partly because it was true and partly because it hit close to home for the Warriors themselves. Spencer, who went from being a lacrosse star to carving out an NBA role, has seen firsthand how intelligence and versatility often matter more than athletic measurements. He’s currently on a two-way contract after playing 39 games last season, averaging 6.4 points and 2.4 assists, and is fighting for a steady rotation spot.
But his message wasn’t lost on anyone: the NBA is filled with franchises that fall for highlight reels instead of basketball IQ. Teams get obsessed with wingspan and verticals, and then wonder why they’re still rebuilding five years later.
Ironically, the Warriors the very team Spencer plays for, once built their dynasty on the exact opposite philosophy. Stephen Curry was doubted for being too small and not athletic enough. Klay Thompson was never considered explosive. Draymond Green failed every traditional athletic test imaginable. Yet, together, their skill and intelligence reshaped basketball.
Then came 2020 and 2021. The Warriors drafted James Wiseman and Jonathan Kuminga, two players defined by athleticism, not fit. Wiseman never developed into a reliable NBA player, and Kuminga, despite flashes, has struggled to adapt to the Warriors’ system. The contrast between those picks and what made Golden State great in the first place is exactly what Spencer was talking about.
Spencer’s quote also underscores why players like Nikola Jokic, Luka Doncic, and Shai Gilgeous-Alexander dominate the league, none of them are traditional athletes, but all of them are basketball savants.
And while Spencer didn’t aim his words directly at the Warriors, the irony is impossible to miss. He’s the exact kind of player teams overlook, a connector, thinker, and shooter, the kind who actually wins games.
For all the hype around “potential,” Spencer summed it up best: IQ and skill make careers. Athleticism without brains? That’s what keeps teams stuck in the lottery.
