Nothin' But Nets
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Brooklyn Nets: D’Angelo Russell-Spencer Dinwiddie backcourt a risk

By Phil Watson

BROOKLYN, NY - MARCH 21: Spencer Dinwiddie #8 and D'Angelo Russell #1 of the Brooklyn Nets during the game against the Charlotte Hornets on March 21, 2018 at Barclays Center in Brooklyn, New York. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2018 NBAE (Photo by Nathaniel S. Butler/NBAE via Getty Images)
BROOKLYN, NY - MARCH 21: Spencer Dinwiddie #8 and D'Angelo Russell #1 of the Brooklyn Nets during the game against the Charlotte Hornets on March 21, 2018 at Barclays Center in Brooklyn, New York. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2018 NBAE (Photo by Nathaniel S. Butler/NBAE via Getty Images) /
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Brooklyn Nets
ERIE, PA – NOVEMBER 12: Spencer Dinwiddle #25 of the Windy City Bulls handles the ball against Brandis Raley-Ross #14 and Alex Davis #5 of the Erie BayHawks at The Erie Insurance Arena on November 12, 2016 in Erie, Pennsylvania. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2016 NBAE (Photo by Robert Frank/NBAE via Getty Images) /

2nd-round pick emerged from the shadows in Brooklyn

Spencer Dinwiddle spent considerable time in his first two seasons not at the Palace of Auburn Hills, but toiling for the Grand Rapids Drive in the G-League before the Pistons traded him to the Chicago Bulls in June 2016.

Brooklyn Nets
Brooklyn Nets /

Brooklyn Nets

Dinwiddle was waived and re-signed by the Bulls in July 2016, but was cut again during training camp, beginning the season with the G-League’s Windy City Bulls.

The Nets rescued Dinwiddie from oblivion, signing him to a three-year partially guaranteed $3.9 million deal in December 2016.

He played fairly well after coming to Brooklyn, averaging 7.3 points, 2.8 rebounds and 3.1 assists in 22.6 minutes per game while shooting .444/.376/.792 before a breakout 2017-18 campaign saw him start 58 of his 80 games and put up 12.6 points, 3.2 rebounds and 6.6 assists in 28.8 minutes a night.

Despite his shooting falling off to .387/.326/.813, Dinwiddie was a finalist for the NBA’s Most Improved Player honor, which went to Victor Oladipo of the Indiana Pacers.