When the NBA introduced two-way contracts at the start of the 2017-18 season, there were a few goals in mind. Allowing teams to have a little more roster flexibility, while taking cheap, part-time flyers on young players;
Enabling more G-League guys the opportunity to get reps in the association. And of course, roster flexibility was a significant one. That has never been true more than it has been in the 2025-26 campaign.
Injuries have ravaged a number of superstars and top role players, leaving teams short-handed. Guys that weren’t expected to play a huge role in wins this season, have done so, and more.
The conversation will begin with Pat Spencer, of the Golden State Warriors.
From the best lacrosse player in the country, to starting point guard in Golden State.
Pat Spencer and Other Two-Way Stars
Pat Spencer has been playing at a high level for the Warriors this season. As Stephen Curry and Jimmy Butler have been missing games, other guys have had to step in, and step up.
Spencer has scored in double-digits in four-straight games, while also picking up 13 assists in a contest with the Miami Heat just a few weeks ago. He even guided his team past the Cleveland Cavaliers as the leading scorer over the weekend.
Nae’Qwan Tomlin didn’t play basketball in high school. And he now finds himself occasionally starting for the Cleveland Cavaliers.
The big man signed a 10-day contract last spring, before eventually joining on a two-way contract. The minutes were limited a season ago, but have come way up in 2025-26.
A high-energy guy that would not be in the league if not for the two-way deal, is showing how valuable a high-motor, counted-out player is. Watch for Tomlin in the coming weeks.
He may well get converted to a standard deal this season.
Daniss Jenkins has been having a monster year for the Detroit Pistons. Not expected to play a big role, Cade Cunningham and a number of ket starters got hurt. The second-year guard came in, and just went on a run.
His playing time has since dropped a bit, but the stretch early in the season captured the attention of the basketball world. All of this after playing just seven games one season ago.
A Few Other Two-Way Standouts
It’s not shocking to see the success of Ryan Nembhard with the Dallas Mavericks. Despite going undrafted, it was clear that he possessed serious potential. His recent stretch is one of the best by a rookie point guard ever, let alone an undrafted one, on a two-way deal.
His brother, Andrew Nembhard, has been playing sensationally with the Indiana Pacers. Runs in the family.
Spencer Jones logged 120 minutes for the Denver Nuggets all of last season. Now, he’s filling in as a starter for Aaron Gordon. In a game with the Mavs last week, he dropped 28 points on 11-15 shooting, knocking in four triples.
Injuries opened the door and the second-year forward out of Stanford is making Denver even deeper.
There have been two-way players rising through the ranks for years. From Duncan Robinson and Alex Caruso, to Naz Reid and Luguentz Dort. There is no shortage.
Austin Reaves was on a two-way contract when he first entered the league. Now, he’s a 30-point scorer in the biggest market in the NBA.
Pat Spencer, Nae’Qwan Tomlin, Ryan Nembhard, Spencer Jones, and Daniss Jenkins. All of these guys deserve standard deals in the league.
There is a 50-game cap on active days of duty allowed for two-way players.
Most all of them will hit that threshold this season. So hopefully, the front offices can find space. Otherwise, another team will.
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