Hawes' Ceiling

[KingGiant49erFan]

Hey guys, I never post here but I watch every kings game and usually check the board multiple times a day. Anyway, I had been watching the games usually with the plan to focus on Thompson as I believed he had all the tools to be something special (i still think this, but thats beside the point). My excitement for Hawes was limited based on what I saw last year, but it is now to the point where I cannot ignore him and am probably more excited about him than JT at this moment in time. He has above average athleticism, decent size, well above average passing abilities, evidence of what could be a special post game, a legitmate three point range (which could be seen as a negative, but with his post moves and passing abilities, if he could just use his outside shot as an accessory rather than a go-to strategy it would be invaluable as a way to draw the opponent's key stopper out of the lane), what could turn out to be upper echelon timing and instincts, and judging by the improvement from last year to this one the work ethic to put it all together. So my question to you guys is this: what is his ceiling? Is it Big Z with a little more range? or is it something more?

 

[Widowmaker2k]

I think Hawes' ceiling is really up to him. He's still a project player. When we drafted him, many people said it would take 2-4 seasons before he showed his potential...so the fact that he's producing so well in only his second season is very encouraging. That said, he doesn't have the physical tools to be a Robinson/Oden type of center, but he possesses underrated athleticism and quickness (which I think is partially because he's very white, but teams are starting to figure it out). I've been particularly impressed with his defense and shotblocking this year, and in some ways the early Kevin McHale comparisons/fanboy-dreams may not be as far fetched as they seemed before (and it would be interesting to see how well he could hold down the PF spot).

 

[Arby's Roast Beef]

Reminding me of Raef LaFrentz with better aggression and post abilities. Of course, this was back when Raef LaFrentz was good, and prior to injury (Nuggets version?)--solid but not excellent rebounding ability although with the occasional rebounding explosion, surprising shotblocking ability, three point range.

 

[Aenadin]

since he has post moves and jump shot, passing, underrated athletic abilities

im saying he will be in the middle of being a marriage between Dirk and Kaman

i dont know...

define how underrated his athleticism is? i know he was perceived to be un athletic and stuff..

in a few years i wouldnt be surprised if he puts up 18ppg 9rpg 4apg and 2bpg

 

[AleksandarN]

I do not know never been to his home. How high is it?

 

[Kings Faithful]

Dirk Nowitzki hopefully!!!

 

[Aenadin]

Dirks shooting... not his D hopefully... and i hope he doesnt start singing hasselhoff songs every time he shoots Free throws

 

[KingGiant49erFan]

i really dont see the dirk comparison at all aside from the fact they are both white and 7 feet tall. sure they both shoot threes but even there they arent the same, dirk plays like a small forward.. hawes plays like a center that shoots threes on a semi-regular basis..

 

[KingsCitizen]

I see a mix of Kaman and Rashad Lewis.

In the sense of having soft and finesse post moves (not overpowering) with slow release but good percentage on the perimeter. While having ability to get good numbers in rebounds and more than average shot blocking.

But this kid got leadership abilities better than either Lewis or Kaman. And that's how unique he will be.

 

[Aenadin]

How good is his post moves really? i want to know if it is THAT good for a guy his age...

if he has such a polished post move id say he will be a much better upgrade of Bogut with the shooting

 

[Jespher]

Hakeem Olajuwon. Dream shake, blocks, rebounds, leadership, and a great shooting stroke. That's the best he could possibly aspire to.

http://www.nba.com/history/players/olajuwon_stats.html

Of course, that might be reaching a bit, and asking for perfect knee health for his career...

 

[CruzDude]

NO not Dirk!! That is a kiss of BB death. In overall view he reminds me of Kevin McHale in his early days. Even Duncan a bit. Don't scoff!! Duncan is a 15/8 guy night after night for many years now. He doesn't block many shots, never really did, has only 18 ft range and is not a good FT.

Shows a bit of Chris Bosh. But the more you dig into Hawes, he is coming into his own player with some unique set of demonstrated abilities. Not necessarily all the time but more and more. He has a great reach and equally great reactions, more and more of the time. Hasn't yet learned the post up moves yet but is making good progress. Has an attitude on the court that is good and is becoming a really good big passer.

Is he ready to replace Brad now?? Not yet. By All-Star break? Maybe. We'll see. Hopefully Hawes doesn't have a ceiling as he continues to over achieve and impress, to some degree, every game. I seriously believe he could be an All-Star in 3 years. What 5 in the west is ahead of him at this point? Bynum, Kaman, Prysbilla, Oden? Duncan is on the down side and Shaq is over the hill. Yao will always get the Chinese vote so that leaves 1-2 other 5's. In 3 years a lot will have changed in the west and Hawes could very well be an elite player.

 

[PacMan]

NO not Dirk!! That is a kiss of BB death. In overall view he reminds me of Kevin McHale in his early days. Even Duncan a bit. Don't scoff!! Duncan is a 15/8 guy night after night for many years now. He doesn't block many shots, never really did, has only 18 ft range and is not a good FT.

uhh..are you kidding me? Duncan has average a double double every year in the nba. This is the only year he may missed it (he's currently averaging 9.9 boards to go with nearly 20 points a game) Same thing for the block. He averaged over 2 blocks every single season he's in the league.

 

[bajaden]

I would say that he's a cross between McHale and Walton. He's has the outside game of McHale and the passing and low post game of Walton. I can see him as a 15 and 8 guy with 5 to 6 assists a night, and possibly a 2 blocks a game guy.

I also think that he's one of those guys that his stats will not always show the impact he had on the game.

 

[Aenadin]

Best way to utilize his potential is to REALLY HIRE a big man that can help him perfect his skill set....

if we can hire hakeem as a bigman coach this offseason or even webber for him and thompson it would be tremendous help

 

[Sac.1989]

Best way to utilize his potential is to REALLY HIRE a big man that can help him perfect his skill set....

if we can hire hakeem as a bigman coach this offseason or even webber for him and thompson it would be tremendous help

id second that but isnt shareef our big man coach ? would seem highly unlikely we would bring someone else in if this is the case

 

[Aenadin]

i dont know how long the contract for reef is... maybe one of the other coaches can go..

 

[OptimusRhyme]

I cant believe how much he has improved his shot blocking... He ranks second in total blocks only behind Dwight! I've recently been calling him White Howard after all these 6 block games.

 

[Vlade4GM]

Better scoring, less rebounding Bogut.

 

[Kingster]

I think he's going to be an All-Star. No, he's not a Shaq, a Kareem, a Walton or a Russell, but he's going to be very good barring a severe injury. He doesn't have the awesome athletic ability of some, but it's obvious that he's much more athletic than post people gave him credit for. He's got good speed and quickness for a big man. He handles the ball very well for a big guy. That play in the Utah game where he took the ball full court and used a behind the back dribble to elude a defender was something else. Also, it's not just jumping or quickness that makes for athleticism, it's coordination, and Spencer is extremely coordinated for a big man. Please tell me of any big man you've ever seen at age 20 that is as coordinated as this guy. Eventually, he'll be as comfortable going inside or out, coming off screens, passing on the dribble, making baskets with either hand, doing runners, hitting a sky hook and anything you can come up with. He has more weapons at his disposal than guards do in this league. The thing I really like about him is that he's going to make his teamates much better on the court. I still want to see him get an assistant coach that has major credibility in teaching centers in this league. Then give him a top 10 point guard and look out. I think we're very lucky to have him.