Kings draft Spencer Hawes: Discussion

[nbrans]

Spencer Hawes would have been a great choice 15 years ago when there were hardly any 7'0" athletes in the league. Oden, Durant, Noah, B. Wright, Jason Smith, Yi in this draft joining Amare, Chandler...... times have changed. You have to be athletic. I think Petrie is stuck in 1985.

 

[Henkel]

This Brad Miller comparison is nonsense. I doubt any of you making the comparison have seen Hawes play a full game. Hawes has the most developed low post offensive game of any freshman i have seen this decade... not so much like Brad Miller. From day one he's going to be one of the better passing centers in the league, which is something i thought Kings fans could understand has great value in this league. Hes going to be a one of the better offensive centers in this league even without the elite athleticism. His lack of great athleticism is going to make it hard for him to be a great rebounder but he's a legit 7 footer and if he adds the weight, which is one of the easier things for a player to do, he will be a good rebounder.

On a personal level this was a easy pick for the Kings. This team needs help on the front line as much as any team in the league. Even with the possibility of a Artest trade the Kings have some nice players at the sf spot in Garcia and Salmons. The sf slot is also the easiest position to find quality in the nba. You don't pass on quality big men when it's a desperate need.

I watched this kid play 10+ times in a quality Pac-10 and this kid is going to make alot of you eat your words. I love Al Thorton and Nick Young but this was far and away the best pick for the Kings. He's gonna be a top 10 center in this league for many years to come, which might not be the superstar everyone wanted but if you look at this realistically thats great value for the 10 pick. For all you talking Chris Mihm, Mark Blount, Brad Miller, ext, ext get ready to be pleasantly surprised.

 

[HndsmCelt]

I'm not terribly upset about the Hawes pick, but I'm fairly sure we cold put together a better deal for the Boston #5 pick than just Ray Allen, that is way more dissapointing than Hawes.

Oh I am SOOOO with you there.

 

[RaY Z]

i think its way to early for such criticism...! i mean we jst drafted the guy, and what i do like about him is that he is a very good low post scorer who is extremely YOUNG at only 19, unlike shareef and his upside is fairly high, i know he is not athletic but he can block shots and i think pairing him up with a further developed justin williams will be a decent young back court...

i would just hope petrie can somehow... i dont how... but somehow trade brad miller for some decent pieces...

WELCOME SPENCER!!!

GO KINGS!!!!

 

[LilMissDiva]

Everyone needs to stop talking about "need."

If you do not like Hawes as a player than that's fine. However, to say we do not need him because we have Rahim and Miller does not make sense. We are entering rebuilding mode, I do not think that anyone here really believes Rahim or Miller are a part of our long term plans.

However, if Hawes is a legit center who can be paired with an athletic, shot blocking PF than he is a great rebuilding piece and that is exactly what we need.

Almost everyone wants the Kings to rebuild so stop evaluating picks based upon how they fit tne "needs" of the current team. We need forget the players we have outside of Martin, Cisco, Douby, Williams, Price and Salmons and start evaluating moves with regards to how they could fit on our new core. Bibby, Miller, Artest, Rahim and Thomas and what they bring to this team are irrelevant now other than what we can get in return for them or how their contracts restrict our rebuilding efforts.

So please, let's evaluate Hawes and not get caught up into evaluating how he complements a team that's being dismantled.

Good point, but my main gripe is - sure he is a young center, but the Kings (even with all the other youngsters) desperately need more athleticism, rebounding, defense and shot blocking.

He addresses none of these.

It is just one pick however. The Kings have a lot of work to do.

 

[Sac.Kings]

^^ you and i have the same hopes.

 

[ParniValjak]

Everyone needs to stop talking about "need."

If you do not like Hawes as a player than that's fine. However, to say we do not need him because we have Rahim and Miller does not make sense. We are entering rebuilding mode, I do not think that anyone here really believes Rahim or Miller are a part of our long term plans.

However, if Hawes is a legit center who can be paired with an athletic, shot blocking PF than he is a great rebuilding piece and that is exactly what we need.

Almost everyone wants the Kings to rebuild so stop evaluating picks based upon how they fit tne "needs" of the current team. We need forget the players we have outside of Martin, Cisco, Douby, Williams, Price and Salmons and start evaluating moves with regards to how they could fit on our new core. Bibby, Miller, Artest, Rahim and Thomas and what they bring to this team are irrelevant now other than what we can get in return for them or how their contracts restrict our rebuilding efforts.

So please, let's evaluate Hawes and not get caught up into evaluating how he complements a team that's being dismantled.

Well bugger me!!!

Someone who finally sees it in the context. Miller and Rahim are NOT part of the future. When this team gets to be a contender again, Miller and Rahim will not be here anymore so that point is mute!

We addressed the need of a legit center prospect. Next in line is an athletic PF and a PG.

 

[ParniValjak]

maybe they're thinking: Can't get the PF we need....so we'll just "draft" BRAD as our PF, and use HAWES as our C (with pasing ability, back to basket, low post scoring ability) ala Vlade. --Vlade wasn't athletic, was no shot blocker, or rebounder. Maybe they're trying to build a 2003-2004 Kings team (before CWebb messed it up).

We can have a starting 5 like this:

Hawes/Williams
Miller/SAR/Thomas
Artest/Garcia
Martin/Salmons
Bibby/Price/Douby

I don't think that's shabby. Now, we only need some more trades so shore up the bench.

maybe miller will be traded? and we get a PF? then Hawes at C? I don't know, but I think we should give the kid a chance. the simple truth is: WE HAVE SO MANY NEEDS AND THIS ONLY FILLS ONE OF THEM.

Vlade WAS a shot blocker. He average 2 blocks per game in his prime and had a 12 block game against New Jersey while he was with the Hornets

 

[Elektrik]

Everyone needs to stop talking about "need."

If you do not like Hawes as a player than that's fine. However, to say we do not need him because we have Rahim and Miller does not make sense. We are entering rebuilding mode, I do not think that anyone here really believes Rahim or Miller are a part of our long term plans.

However, if Hawes is a legit center who can be paired with an athletic, shot blocking PF than he is a great rebuilding piece and that is exactly what we need.

Almost everyone wants the Kings to rebuild so stop evaluating picks based upon how they fit tne "needs" of the current team. We need forget the players we have outside of Martin, Cisco, Douby, Williams, Price and Salmons and start evaluating moves with regards to how they could fit on our new core. Bibby, Miller, Artest, Rahim and Thomas and what they bring to this team are irrelevant now other than what we can get in return for them or how their contracts restrict our rebuilding efforts.

So please, let's evaluate Hawes and not get caught up into evaluating how he complements a team that's being dismantled.

Well said

 

[Bricklayer]

I still see a way for this pickito eventually work out...but it requires a leap of faith.

The model: Kevin McHale. Back before he was a sad *** excuse for a GM. 6'11". Pasty. Had a body like a taller Tayshaun Prince, minus the athleticism, and then you threw on Lurch's/Frankenstein's head. Poor athlete, ran funny. But in his prime was very VERY effective as a PF because he knew every single post move, and their counters. Almsot impossible to stop because you couldn't take it all away. You take away one shoulder, he went the other way just as well, you bite one fake, it was over. You don't bite, it was over. And he was never a very good rebounder. Just such a prolific and skilled scorer that that was a nitpick rather than a devastating problem. Thing is that while he was not a good rebounder he WAS a tremendous defensive player. Made All Defensive teams. And used his long long arms and timing to block shots, disrupt, and intimidate anything inside. That's where hope breaks down a bit. Even if Hawes could be that kind of post player, without that second dimension, McHale's legacy would have been shaky (and the Celtics titles during that era fewer). What ELSE is Spenser Hawes going to do for you is the question. When the play is not called for you, when you are on defense, how is he going to help? That's what he has to answer to be more than a lottery center. A better Primoz Brezec.

 

[LPKingsFan]

At least he's tall and not a SG/SF. I was hoping Noah or BWright would fall, but guess not. Here's hoping for a deal to pick up Smith, too.

 

[ovrush]

My prediction: Spencer Hawes will be the most posterized man in the NBA over the next 10 years...

Also oppositions offensive rebounds per game may be higher than our total rebounds per game next year.

 

[Sac.Kings]

Well bugger me!!!

Someone who finally sees it in the context. Miller and Rahim are NOT part of the future. When this team gets to be a contender again, Miller and Rahim will not be here anymore so that point is mute!

We addressed the need of a legit center prospect. Next in line is an athletic PF and a PG.

I see your point, i am adding Hawes to the current lineup which is a mistake on my part. Now that i look at it broadly the kid isn' a bad pick and he was the only 7 footer left so not much choice there. when the bulls were picking i was shouting "just not Noah, just not Noah". Can't get everything you want can you. But he still stinks up the court in terms of rebounding. 6.4 ill never get over that. We need a really goof PF alongside him now

 

[swisshh]

Everyone needs to stop talking about "need."

If you do not like Hawes as a player than that's fine. However, to say we do not need him because we have Rahim and Miller does not make sense. We are entering rebuilding mode, I do not think that anyone here really believes Rahim or Miller are a part of our long term plans.

However, if Hawes is a legit center who can be paired with an athletic, shot blocking PF than he is a great rebuilding piece and that is exactly what we need.

Almost everyone wants the Kings to rebuild so stop evaluating picks based upon how they fit tne "needs" of the current team. We need forget the players we have outside of Martin, Cisco, Douby, Williams, Price and Salmons and start evaluating moves with regards to how they could fit on our new core. Bibby, Miller, Artest, Rahim and Thomas and what they bring to this team are irrelevant now other than what we can get in return for them or how their contracts restrict our rebuilding efforts.

So please, let's evaluate Hawes and not get caught up into evaluating how he complements a team that's being dismantled.

You need to stop talking about rebuilding when this player is part of the type of player that made us need to rebuild.

Hawes is neither a current need or a future need. We have been down the unalthetic big man path, we know how it ends. The issue is not rebuilding the same team we had before, but rebuilding a better team. Hawes is rebuilding the same flawed team.

Hawes = prototypical player of the past
Fans = DO NOT WANT

 

[LPKingsFan]

Quick, Smith is there at 20. Send Artest to the Heat for Williams and 20. Do it now!!!!

 

[Jechtsphere]

Well one thing I thought we wanted to get better on defense but maybe they expect the coach can make these bad defensive players play defense.

This pick just doesn't excite me, I don't see this guy being anything more than an average player.

 

[piksi]

My prediction: Spencer Hawes will be the most posterized man in the NBA over the next 10 years...

Also oppositions offensive rebounds per game may be higher than our total rebounds per game next year.

At least one Kings player that will make "highlights" in the near future

 

[ovrush]

After thinking about this... We are now the worst team in the West following today. Everyone got better.. we got more of the same... maybe MAYBE we can keep up with Memphis this year, probly not though

 

[nbrans]

I still see a way for this pickito eventually work out...but it requires a leap of faith.

The model: Kevin McHale. Back before he was a sad *** excuse for a GM. 6'11". Pasty. Had a body like a taller Tayshaun Prince, minus the athleticism, and then you threw on Lurch's/Frankenstein's head. Poor athlete, ran funny. But in his prime was very VERY effective as a PF because he knew every single post move, and their counters. Almsot impossible to stop because you couldn't take it all away. You take away one shoulder, he went the other way just as well, you bite one fake, it was over. You don't bite, it was over. And he was never a very good rebounder. Just such a prolific and skilled scorer that that was a nitpick rather than a devastating problem. Thing is that while he was not a good rebounder he WAS a tremendous defensive player. Made All Defensive teams. And used his long long arms and timing to block shots, disrupt, and intimidate anything inside. That's where hope breaks down a bit. Even if Hawes could be that kind of post player, without that second dimension, McHale's legacy would have been shaky (and the Celtics titles during that era fewer). What ELSE is Spenser Hawes going to do for you is the question. When the play is not called for you, when you are on defense, how is he going to help? That's what he has to answer to be more than a lottery center. A better Primoz Brezec.

This is definitely the best case scenario, but going up against Kareem Abdul-Jabbar is not the same thing as going up against Oden. The league has gotten vastly more athletic and stronger, and it's not enough to be skilled anymore. You have to be athletic first THEN skilled.

People say that Duncan isn't athletic... I don't know what they're talking about. He's extremely athletic, quick, and strong.

Hawes may be ok, but I don't think it works to compare him to guys who came 20 years ago -- the league has irrevocably changed.

 

[Jechtsphere]

My prediction: Spencer Hawes will be the most posterized man in the NBA over the next 10 years...

Also oppositions offensive rebounds per game may be higher than our total rebounds per game next year.

lol not to mention plenty of and 1's

 

[Elektrik]

I just dont see why Hawes is getting hammered so much. He is 19 and the best prospect at Center (other than Oden) who is very skilled. Centers with his skills just dont come along very often. We are rebuilding. Does anybody really think that we are going to receive a top notch center in a trade? How about a taste of reality? If we're in rebuilding mode, what better way to start rebuilding than by getting a young, skilled center to build around. Remember, we had the #10 pick. Not the No.1. We still have lots of pieces that we can move to come up with a need at PF. Oh and by the way, I seem to remember Justin Williams filling that rebounding, shot blocking need somewhat last season. He's another year older and another year better and he too is young.

 

[zip95843]

Well, well, well.....

I was very disappointed to here we drafted the guy. Doesn't impress much from the video clips.

I very much hope I'm wrong though....

 

[VF21]

I just dont see why Hawes is getting hammered so much. He is 19 and the best prospect at Center (other than Oden) who is very skilled. Centers with his skills just dont come along very often. We are rebuilding. Does anybody really think that we are going to receive a top notch center in a trade? How about a taste of reality? If we're in rebuilding mode, what better way to start rebuilding than by getting a young, skilled center to build around. Remember, we had the #10 pick. Not the No.1. We still have lots of pieces that we can move to come up with a need at PF. Oh and by the way, I seem to remember Justin Williams filling that rebounding, shot blocking need somewhat last season. He's another year older and another year better and he too is young.

And Hawes and Williams' skills seem to compliment each other's.

Nice post, Elektrik.

 

[Henkel]

Even if Hawes could be that kind of post player, wihtout that second dimension, McHale's leagacy would hav ebeen shaky (and the Celtics titles during that era fewer). What ELSE is Spenswer Hawes going to do for you is the question. When the play is not called for you, when you are on defense, how is he going to help? That's what he has to answer to be more than a lottery center.

With his passing ability and range he can do alot more then score in the low post. On the defensive end it's hard to see him being a huge factor, but I think if he adds strength along with his natural size he can be a good post defender.

 

[hiero]

Personally I was mad that Yi and Noah were gone, but Hawes was the next best pick. Even if we do trade Artest, which I mean really who wants him, and where are we going to get anywhere near fair trade value for him, we have a logjam at SF. Kmart obviously starts at SG, so we have Garcia and Salmons who we just signed to a 5 year deal. Drafting Al Thornton basically says, signing Salmons was a mistake, and that Garcia doesnt have a future with the team. Both of which couldnt be more wrong.

Sure we wanted an athletic bigman who can block shots and rebound, but hell obviously doesnt everyone? isnt that why Oden went #1?????? Obviously we all want Bill Russell reincarnate, but those guys do not grow on trees.

Hawes can develop into a bigman who unlike Brad Miller he can actually score close to the basket, and with his back to the basket. Miller cannot evne make a freaking layup or hookshot, I dont want to hear crap about how this guy is the next Brad Miller. Hawes lives for basketball, whereas Brad Miller lives to go hunting and fishing. Hawes is 19, and didnt have all of hte knee problems nad injuries that Brad did. Plus hes a much more polished player than Brad was, and has this thing called Desire.

Now all we have to do is resign Justin Williams to play the 4, and put Hawes at the 5. Plus we can actually get Garcia like 25-30 minutes with this setup instead of relegating him or Al Thornton to the bench ala Gerald Wallace and have a huge waste of talent.

Hawes actually wants to play basketball for a living, and is going to work his butt off to get better at rebounding and on defense. He was decent at rebounding and shotblocking although obviously he isnt a defensive stopper. We still have a ton of scorers, and guys who can run the floor, and now we have a guy who can command a double team in hte paint, something we have not had since Webber. He is very tough also, something nobody in their right mind could ever say about Miller. Just because hte guy is 7'0 and white and has offensive skills doesn't mean he is Brad Miller. He isnt a jump shooter, he is a low post scorer.

Let all the people cry and whine, these are the same people who want us to draft a SF, and then also the same people who were crying about needing a bigman, and that they are sick of drafting 2's and 3's every year, yet they want to have Thornton although obviously AT cannot play the 4.

Be happy we got a bigman at least finally instead of another freakin combo guard who will ride hte pine forever. We are probably going to keep Ron Artest anyways, who is a heck of a defensive player, along with Justin Williams, and possibly some trades in the mix, the Kings are going to be much much better in the future.

 

[Sac.Kings]

I just dont see why Hawes is getting hammered so much. He is 19 and the best prospect at Center (other than Oden) who is very skilled. Centers with his skills just dont come along very often. We are rebuilding. Does anybody really think that we are going to receive a top notch center in a trade? How about a taste of reality? If we're in rebuilding mode, what better way to start rebuilding than by getting a young, skilled center to build around. Remember, we had the #10 pick. Not the No.1. We still have lots of pieces that we can move to come up with a need at PF. Oh and by the way, I seem to remember Justin Williams filling that rebounding, shot blocking need somewhat last season. He's another year older and another year better and he too is young.

But there is only so much one guy can do. I agree with VF about their skills complimenting one another, but we need more. Both Williams and Hawes need more power and weight if they really want to make an impact. But they could end up being a nice combo together.

 

[BawLa]

It is obvious we didn't draft our exact need - athletic big with rebounding and shotblocking. Our other options were Julian Wright and Al Thornton. I think Julian Wright would have been a better fit for out team, but one thing I won't do, is dog any draft picks that we make. Although we don't always draft for need, we have been making quality draft picks. So I think Hawes will work out just fine.

Ultimately, I think Hawes was better fit for Chicago and Noah for us, but as they say, **** happens.


Hopefully Justin Williams will develop right alongside this kid and they can make up for the other's weaknesses......






....and form some sort of super frontcourt duo.

 

[Elektrik]

Spencer Hawes would have been a great choice 15 years ago when there were hardly any 7'0" athletes in the league. Oden, Durant, Noah, B. Wright, Jason Smith, Yi in this draft joining Amare, Chandler...... times have changed. You have to be athletic. I think Petrie is stuck in 1985.

What athletic big man was left with his kind of skills? Seems to me every team to win an NBA championship has had a quality skilled big man...of which Spencer Hawes can be in a couple of years. Frankly, I'm tired of athletic SG's and Sf's being drafted year after year. Finally Petrie picks a skilled big man in the draft and can be a very good player in a couple of years and people are hammering him. His game resembles Vlade's. Would anyone not want Vlade in his prime back? I mean he's 7'1" and he can play.

 

[shoulepiou]

Trade Ron Artest For Maguette & Thornton

 

[TaxMan]

Vlade WAS a shot blocker. He average 2 blocks per game in his prime and had a 12 block game against New Jersey while he was with the Hornets

Hawes set the freshmen record from blocks in a season. He averaged about 1.75 blocks a game, including games of: 4, 3, 6, 3, 5, 3, 3, 3, and 5 blocks. He's obviously not an intimidator, but if he can average 1.5 or 2 blocks a game in the NBA, that's not bad, especially when paired with his offensive potential.

It's not like the guy is an undersized center.