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Summary
It was always difficult for me to see how Spellman would become an impact player in the NBA, and it seems to have played out that way as Spellman's NBA career is on life support just three years after being drafted. The team option on the fourth year of Spellman's rookie contract was declined and Spellman was waived prior to playing a game this past season.

Those that were high on his upside mostly pointed to his success in college and overall feel for the game at that level. However, at only 6'9" and on the slower side, it was hard to imagine how Spellman could fit into a productive NBA lineup. He didn't have the size or athletic ability to protect the rim, and he was too slow to defend on the perimeter.

On offense, he wasn't a lob threat and while he hit shots at a decent rate, he wasn't someone that defenses were afraid to let fire. If Spellman transformed his body to be more mobile, he could improve his defense and get to the point on offense where he could make plays off-the-dribble when defenses force him to put it on the floor.

Spellman may get some flyers from NBA teams this summer, but I would guess that Spellman may have more success overseas, where is athletic limitations aren't as damning. 
 
Cap Considerations
Spellman was waived by the Knicks this season, and has yet to be signed by an NBA team. Teams will have multiple ways to sign Spellman as even teams without cap space could possibly use any of the Non-Taxpayer MLE, Taxpayer MLE, or possibly even the Room MLE or Bi-Annual Exception to sign him. However, I don't expect any offers for Spellman to be above the minimum.

Potential Teams: Thunder, Pelicans, Cavaliers, Hornets, Pistons

Predicted Contract: 1-year, $1.7 million (non-guaranteed) with the Thunder

Last updated: 4/30/2021

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