Successful Hawes = successful Sixers
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Successful Hawes = successful Sixers
John Mitchell, Inquirer Staff Writer
The reason 76ers coach Doug Collins said of Spencer Hawes following his 15-point, eight-rebound game, “God, I wish I could bottle Spencer tonight” is rather obvious.
When Hawes plays well this season, the Sixers (12-9) usually win.
Headed into Wednesday’s game with Chicago the Sixers are 6-0 when Hawes scores in double figures. Over the past four games, Hawes is averaging 10.3 points, 7.3 rebounds and a pair of blocks. This season Hawes is averaging 7.6 points and 5.5 rebounds.
Before Hawes had 10 points and six rebounds in the Sixers’ 95-94 overtime victory over Boston last Friday, Hawes’ high-point night was just seven points in the previous eight games.
Hawes said that some of the problems he has had this season have been a byproduct of trying to make the adjustment from a starter last season to coming off the bench this season. Hawes started all 81 games two seasons ago. Last season Hawes started 29 of the 37 games he appeared in during the regular season.
“I think (that it has something to do with it), but it’s not an excuse by any means. But it is a different mindset. You have to prepare differently and you have to attack the game in a different fashion.”
The difference, Hawes says, is “You just don’t have time to come in and feel the game out. You have to come in and right away get yourself going. If you don’t, you get your little stint and then you’re done. You might not get the chance to present yourself again. Now I have to make my mark as soon as my name is called.”
Looking at how Collins has used his big men in recent games, Hawes could continue to get more opportunities. It’s clear that center Kwame Brown, who has strung together three consecutive DNP-CDs, is going to have to show Collins that he can once again help the Sixers.
that was the worst 15-8 game i've ever seen anyone play. the kid is flat out soft. if the outside shot isn't falling he's useless. Half of his rebounds fell into his hands including two that literally hit the ground and he was lucky to be in the right spot. You want to bottle that up DC? Bottle it up and ship it somewhere...anywhere. Lavoy has to stay out of foul trouble and stay in the game (both physically and mentally) and somebody needs to call kenyon martin b/c this team has lost too many winnable games (pistons, minnesota, cleveland) to think they'll be in the hunt if and when the big guy comes back with the current roster.— 76ers in 2076- This comment has been deleted.— Rowdy Yaytes
- did not play-coach's decision — samarea51
- unless Lavoy or Spencer get a motor transplant from Maxiell/Evans this season is just a bridge to the next center we will be resting our hopes upon. let's just hope its not a bridge to nowhere.— barrywil
- Did not play-Coaches Decision— elbe2k
- H— Short Circuit 3
- Hawes contests shots, he helps out religously, he always makes the proper pass...He's just NOT strong...in his core...in his arms...in his hands....I DO agree with DC in that an effective Hawes makes the Sixers a better team....Hawes' problem is, he's a 7 foot small forward...a Bargnani without the potent 3 point range...I trust him at the foul line, I trust him at the high post...Don't like him to set a bone crunching screen, or to move a physical big out of the low post early in the shot clock..He is what he is...pair him with physicality. He's played well teamed with LaVoy.— bearsfriend
- "Where Hawes Goes, We Go" Get your season tickets!!
No, wait, that wasn't the marketing pitch
John Mitchell is in his second year covering the 76ers for the Inquirer after joining the paper in November 2011. He covered the Washington Wizards for the Washington Times from 1998 to 2008. He's also worked at the Philadelphia Tribune, the Wilmington News Journal, Courier-Post, Trenton Times and Elmira Star-Gazette.Born and raised in West Philadelphia - not too far from Will Smith - he graduated from Overbrook High School the same year the 76ers won their last championship. He's a proud graduate of Howard University and the proud father of two sons, Jared and Jordan.
ABOUT MARC NARDUCCI
Marc Narducci has served in a variety of roles with the Inquirer since beginning in 1983. He has covered the 76ers as a backup and a beat writer. In addition, Narducci has covered everything from the Super Bowl to the World Series and a lot in between. Narducci also has a true passion for South Jersey scholastic sports, which he has covered for many years.
