http://www.sacbee.com/100/story/258995.html
Now signed, Hawes eager to get started
By Sam Amick - Bee Staff Writer
Last Updated 12:12 am PDT Friday, July 6, 2007
Story appeared in SPORTS section, Page C8
If Spencer Hawes stays consistent, then odds are he was furiously tapping his foot in the Palms Casino in Las Vegas on Thursday with a 7-foot smile on his face.
Just one day remained until the former University of Washington center would begin his NBA career, as the Kings' draft pick and his summer-league teammates were set to hold a practice today in preparation for Saturday's game against the Chinese national team. And adding to the excitement for the 19-year-old, Hawes -- who tapped his foot in anticipation before being picked in the June 28 draft in New York City -- was signed by the Kings on Thursday.
According to Hawes, the deal is for two seasons with team options for the 2009-10 and 2010-11 campaigns. In his rookie season, Hawes said he will earn the maximum for a No. 10 pick -- $2,028,600 -- and he will receive an eight-percent raise in his second year.
"It's definitely exciting to get that out of the way and get ready to play," Hawes said. "I can't wait to play."
The Kings also signed undrafted free-agent point guard Mustafa Shakur from Arizona, though it is not known if any part of his deal is guaranteed.
Meanwhile, Kings coach Reggie Theus has been interviewing candidates for his lead assistant position. Among them is former Seattle coach Bob Weiss, who has was fired from the SuperSonics in January, 2006, after starting 13-17 in his first season replacing Nate McMillan.
It is not known whether Theus will run the first practice or coach the summer league team. Kings assistant Jason Hamm -- the lone member of Eric Musselman's former staff to have been retained -- could do so.
About the writer: The Bee's Sam Amick can be reached at samick@sacbee.com.
Now signed, Hawes eager to get started
By Sam Amick - Bee Staff Writer
Last Updated 12:12 am PDT Friday, July 6, 2007
Story appeared in SPORTS section, Page C8
If Spencer Hawes stays consistent, then odds are he was furiously tapping his foot in the Palms Casino in Las Vegas on Thursday with a 7-foot smile on his face.
Just one day remained until the former University of Washington center would begin his NBA career, as the Kings' draft pick and his summer-league teammates were set to hold a practice today in preparation for Saturday's game against the Chinese national team. And adding to the excitement for the 19-year-old, Hawes -- who tapped his foot in anticipation before being picked in the June 28 draft in New York City -- was signed by the Kings on Thursday.
According to Hawes, the deal is for two seasons with team options for the 2009-10 and 2010-11 campaigns. In his rookie season, Hawes said he will earn the maximum for a No. 10 pick -- $2,028,600 -- and he will receive an eight-percent raise in his second year.
"It's definitely exciting to get that out of the way and get ready to play," Hawes said. "I can't wait to play."
The Kings also signed undrafted free-agent point guard Mustafa Shakur from Arizona, though it is not known if any part of his deal is guaranteed.
Meanwhile, Kings coach Reggie Theus has been interviewing candidates for his lead assistant position. Among them is former Seattle coach Bob Weiss, who has was fired from the SuperSonics in January, 2006, after starting 13-17 in his first season replacing Nate McMillan.
It is not known whether Theus will run the first practice or coach the summer league team. Kings assistant Jason Hamm -- the lone member of Eric Musselman's former staff to have been retained -- could do so.
About the writer: The Bee's Sam Amick can be reached at samick@sacbee.com.
