Spencer Hawes anxious to return to action for Sixers
Meeting with the media for the first time in a few weeks, injured Sixers center Spencer Hawes is doing on-court workouts this week and hopes he's close to returning.
Spencer Hawes anxious to return to action for Sixers
Bob Cooney
Remember Spencer Hawes? Starting center for the Sixers. Had a terrific start to the season and was a big reason as to why the team got off to such a tremendous start. He's missed over a month of action now, but he seems close to putting on the uniform again.
After this morning's shootaround in which the Sixers prepared for tonight's home game against the Boston Celtics, Hawes met with the media for the first time in a few weeks. He looks good, not having put on any weight during his absence. In fact, he says he's even lost a couple of pounds.
"It's been encouraging the last couple of days to go out on the court, move around and not even think about it," said Hawes of his strained Achilles'. The first time I tried to come back (a two-game stint) I was definitely favoring it. This time, checking with everybody who is observing me, they're telling me it looks like it's back to normal pretty much.
"The last couple of days I've been back on the court doing a lot of drills, mostly in the halfcourt. I think tomorrow maybe try and progress to some more running and then go from there. Last week was just cardio, having the boot off and getting into the weight room and doing things without limitations."
Sixers coach Doug Collins, whose seen his team's offense sputter tremendously without Hawes, had targeted sometime next week for his big man's return. Hawes hopes that's on target, but was cautious as to making a prediction.
"Hopefully," said Hawes of a return next week. "I don't like putting an exact date on it, but it is feeliing better and it's definitely getting close. The hardest thing in the world is watching (games) without being able to do anything. When you're playing you can control some things. When you're watching, you can't. That's the really frustrating thing."
When asked if he talked with Hawes, Collins said they had a brief meeting and that Hawes said he's getting excited for a return.
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Evan Turner and Nik Vukevic will remain in the starting lineup for tonight's game against Boston, coach Doug Collins said. Turner and Vukevic also started Monday against Milwaukee.
He needs to get back in the starting lineup. Speaking of the starting lineup, it's time for Brand to be removed from it. I'd much rather have Allen start with Elton off the bench. The only reason why Brand is in the lineup is to provide points from his mid range jumper. He can't shoot it right now, so there is no point at all for him being in there. He gets murdered on the boards.— beegal99- This surprising season has basically been a chance to sneak a peek at what it will take to get to that elite echelon of teams that can win a championship. The Sixers are good and promising, but I just dont see that next level coming from within the current roster. I've always thought Jrue was most likely to step up into a superstar, but now Im starting to think its got to be an FA pickup or trade. Maybe Im wrong.— jamesiri
- From what I just read he's ready to go so lets go. Is it up to the doctors to clear him or is it how Hawes says he feels? With the Celtics and Knicks this week he needs to play now. If they want to win at least one round in the playoffs they need to win their division to get home court. They could finish 4th in east or above but the seasons getting shorter and teams are getting better while Sixers are not. Bob, if you are on DNL tonight please address who's call it is getting Spencer back on court.— johnp345
- Beegal: I don't know if the team wants an 18 million dollae guy coming off the bench, but the idea of having a fresh legged EB at end of games is appealing...I also like the idea of LaVoy Allen as a 4, his natural position...Regarding Hawes, the club has needed him "now" since he has been out, and the Sixers rushed him back twice...I'm glad he's getting right, but bring him back judiciously in the beginning.— bearsfriend
- Beegal: I don't know if the team wants an 18 million dollae guy coming off the bench, but the idea of having a fresh legged EB at end of games is appealing...I also like the idea of LaVoy Allen as a 4, his natural position...Regarding Hawes, the club has needed him "now" since he has been out, and the Sixers rushed him back twice...I'm glad he's getting right, but bring him back judiciously in the beginning.— bearsfriend
- Don't bring him back till at least the end of March and make sure he's in shape and the achilles thing has completely healed. Better to wait some more than to have him out the rest of the year.— Leegles
- I give him 3 games before he injures something else. He is an injury prone guy.— jak55555
- YES.
Agreed, he is an injury prone guy, but his work ethic and skills are top notch; but its hard to build around a Center who isn't in the lineup...just ask Portland.— sdeens - hawes is a fraud I predicted he would not play(if that is what you call it)half the games this season the guy is a injury prone weakling...play battie, vuvecic and allen the team is better off.— only 9
Bob Cooney has been at the Daily News for more than 20 years, working in the sports department for the past 15. This is his third season on the Sixers beat. He has covered just about everything, but mostly college basketball, where he was the La Salle beat writer for six seasons. E-mail Bob at cooneyb@phillynews.com and follow him on Twitter.
