Sixers Notes: Hawes hot from beyond the arc

Spencer Hawes is arguably the 76ers' best three-point shooter. All 7-foot-1 inches of him.

The center was shooting 50 percent from beyond the arc heading into Monday's game against the Golden State Warriors. Thaddeus Young, at 60 percent, was the only teammate with a higher percentage than the seven-year veteran.

But while Young has only attempted five three-pointers, Hawes has made 6 of 12, and was on pace to make 164 of 328 this season. That would shatter his career-best of 40 for 115 he had as a Sacramento King during the 2008-09 season.

Utilizing his perimeter skills is all by design.

Hawes spends at least 20 minutes after practice performing three-point shooting drills. "That's something coach [Brett] Brown talked to me about," Hawes said of shooting more threes. "I asked him, how do I get more efficient and add another aspect to the game?

"The thing that he always emphasizes is, 'top of three, space out' and that's a higher percentage shot with all of the calculations."

The top of the key is where Hawes has roamed during certain possessions this season. He drained three three-pointers from that spot in Friday's victory over the Washington Wizards.

Yet Hawes realizes the sight of a big man attempting perimeter shots is frowned upon by basketball purists.

"That's the way the game is changing," he said. "We don't get it dumped in like we used to."

He believes post players need to make their mark where they can.

"You evolve with it or odds are you might get left behind," Hawes said.

Michael Carter-Williams was named the NBA Eastern Conference player of the week on Monday.

The point guard is just the second rookie to win this honor his first week in the NBA. Shaquille O'Neal did it with the Orlando Magic in 1992.

Carter-Williams averaged 20.7 points, 9.0 assists, and 4.3 steals in last week's victories over the Wizards, Miami Heat, and Chicago Bulls.