Spencer Hawes compared to the rest of the 2007 nba draft class

[Emma]

Okay, I'm curious, this is the 2007 nba draft class. Of the top 14, how do you all believe that Spencer Hawes should have been selected when compared to the rest of these guys (now and in the future)? This looks like he should have gone #1 to me right now. But I'm a homer and I'm not impressed with Oden and his health.

1. POR -- Greg Oden
2. SEA -- Kevin Durant
3. ATL -- Al Horford
4. MEM -- Mike Conley Jr.
5. SEA -- Jeff Green
6. MIL -- Yi Jianlian
7. MIN -- Corey Brewer
8. GSW -- Brandan Wright
9. CHI -- Joakim Noah
10. SAC -- Spencer Hawes
11. ATL -- Acie Law
12. PHI -- Thaddeus Young
13. NOH -- Julian Wright
14. LAC -- Al Thornton

 

[Entity]

if it was me and it was now. it would go like this

1 horford
2 Oden
3 Hawes
4 durant

 

[AriesMar27]

the top 3 wouldnt change.... and thorton wouldve gone 4th or 5th....

 

[Arby's Roast Beef]

Hawes over Durant?

I guess if you're thinking along the same lines I am (how could a 6'9" uberfreak only grab 4 rebounds a game while getting < 1 block a game) you may have a point, and there are reservations that, based on his numbers, he may only be a one-dimensional offensive juggernaut in the league as opposed to the jack-of-all-trades andrei kirilenko type player that he was once billed as. I know he has the complete green light to do whatever he wants up there at OKC, but I don't really like his approach right now--score, score, score seemingly, although it doesn't help when you don't have the personnel around you to get things done either. Just relative to the all-around expectations that were heaped upon him, 2 years into the league, I think he's failed in that regard...but if you just love scoring, then by all means, Durant is the top of the draft class here.

Hawes has definitely impressed. He's streaky from game to game still, but the overall impression he leaves is great--can explode for nice rebounding and shotblocking nights, has an assortment of offensive moves, and the talent is definitely there. I believe most were disappointed when we did draft him (we were in need of a shotblocker that season, and we wanted Brandan Wright, who was dropping, or Joakim Noah) but it turns out not only is Hawes surpassing those two with ease, but he apparently in the minds of a few has even surpassed Durant. Impressive stuff

 

[LPKingsFan]

Don't look now, but guess who's tied for #2 in efficiency among sophomores?

Of course, Oden is technically a rookie and not counted on that list. I think if most GMs did that draft over again the top 3 would remain unchanged, although Oden's injury issues would definitely give me pause. Hawes is right up there after those three, though. He's been great this year for us (arguably our second best player, if not best, overall) and should be for years to come.

 

[nbrans]

Really really early but I agree with LPKingsFan -- don't think the top 3 would change. You'd have to consider two out of Hawes, Wright and Thad Young to round out the top 5 with Noah, Green and Thornton behind.

 

[LPKingsFan]

Yeah, it's interesting because at the time it looked like the tiers were: the top two+1(Oden and Durant, with Horford a distant third), then Conley through Noah (much to the dismay of Kings fans picking 10) and then Hawes and the rest. The top three have panned out so far, but interesting how I'd definitely take almost any player from the third tier (Hawes, Young, Wright, Thornton) over the second. Have to agree with nbrans that, having only been a year and a half or so removed from the draft, it's still awfully early.

 

[Aenadin]

Okay, I'm curious, this is the 2007 nba draft class. Of the top 14, how do you all believe that Spencer Hawes should have been selected when compared to the rest of these guys (now and in the future)? This looks like he should have gone #1 to me right now. But I'm a homer and I'm not impressed with Oden and his health.

1. POR -- Greg Oden
2. SEA -- Kevin Durant
3. ATL -- Al Horford
4. MEM -- Mike Conley Jr.
5. SEA -- Jeff Green
6. MIL -- Yi Jianlian
7. MIN -- Corey Brewer
8. GSW -- Brandan Wright
9. CHI -- Joakim Noah
10. SAC -- Spencer Hawes
11. ATL -- Acie Law
12. PHI -- Thaddeus Young
13. NOH -- Julian Wright
14. LAC -- Al Thornton

1. Durant
2. horford
3. Oden
4. Hawes
5. Thornton

hawes will be in the upper part of the draft no doubt about that.. the only reason his numbers did not escalate that much is that he is not utilized very well... he SERIOUSLY needs a bigman coach to flourish... i can see loads of options and weapons for him to exploit defenders on

 

[Gary]

1. Oden for what he can do and the potential of dominating games at the hardest position to fill.
2. Horford for the same reason as Oden. A big that plays big.
3. Hawes for the same reason as Oden. Bigs are hard to come by. Especially one that can score from anywhere on the floor, and block shots.
4. Durant
5. Thorton

Durant and Thorton are lower than the rest because they play a position that is a lot easier to fill.

 

[nbrans]

People, Thad Young is already better than Thornton, and that's before you factor in that he's FOUR AND A HALF years younger.

 

[tradepeja]

People, Thad Young is already better than Thornton, and that's before you factor in that he's FOUR AND A HALF years younger.

Truth, why in the world does everyone think he would have been going 5th? In a redo of the draft, he'd be lucky to go 7th. Especially outside of the top 14. Aren't we all forgetting about someone? Someone by the name of Sessions?

1. Oden
2. Horford
3. Durant
4. Hawes
5. Thad Young
6. Sessions
7. Thornton
8. Green

 

[Bricklayer]

Don't forget Stuckey and Rudy Fernandez.

 

[Jespher]

I still can't believe that Portland just offered cash for that Rudy Fernandez pick. That was an unbelievable move by their GM, on par with the Spurs grabbing Manu Ginobili in the 2nd round, or the Lakers trading Vlade Divac for the draft rights to one Kobe Bryant.

Carl Landry, Glen Davis, and Marc Gasol were also prominent 2nd round picks...

 

[Emma]

OH yeah, feel free to include Fernandez and any other great performers. I didn't really mean to limit it to the top 14.

I guess my top 5 would go:

1. Hawes
2. Oden
3. Thornton
4. Durant
5. Fernandez

Bigs who are game changing players should always top the draft class, and I can start to see the change in mentality that Hawes is bringing to both teams when he is on the court. The Kings are going to start running alot through him, depending on him for energy and his versatility. All of the other teams are going to have nightmares trying to defend him. Unless you're Portland, Orlando, or Boston right now.

 

[FakeInjury]

People, Thad Young is already better than Thornton, and that's before you factor in that he's FOUR AND A HALF years younger.

Agreed. Young and the 76ers were being stomped by the pacers at the fieldhouse by 27. Young was the only player doing anything other than brand. next thing i know the pacers are up by 2 with 1:40 left in the fourth. Pacers loose and young looked like an allstar. potential allstars are usually in the top 5. I would pick young before hawes, because of that night.

 

[Mr. S£im Citrus]

If I were redrafting the lottery picks knowing what I do now, I would be as thus:

1. Greg Oden
2. Kevin Durant
3. Al Horford
4. Thaddeus Young
5. Spencer Hawes
6. Ramon Sessions
7. Al Thornton
8. Rudy Fernandez
9. Jeff Green
10. Rodney Stuckey
11. Jinlian Yi
12. Carl Landry
13. Acie Law IV
14. Glen Davis

 

[bozzwell]

Really really early but I agree with LPKingsFan -- don't think the top 3 would change. You'd have to consider two out of Hawes, Wright and Thad Young to round out the top 5 with Noah, Green and Thornton behind.

Noah? Really? In Chicago, he is already been written off as Mark Madsen type of guy, only without stamina. He'll do good to stay in rotation once Bulls get some real players around Rose.

 

[bozzwell]

If I were redrafting the lottery picks knowing what I do now, I would be as thus:

1. Greg Oden
2. Kevin Durant
3. Al Horford
4. Thaddeus Young
5. Spencer Hawes
6. Ramon Sessions
7. Al Thornton
8. Rudy Fernandez
9. Jeff Green
10. Rodney Stuckey
11. Jinlian Yi
12. Carl Landry
13. Acie Law IV
14. Glen Davis

I'll go with that too.

 

[Dime Dropper]

I really liked Young before the draft. Always said he had star potential (check my posts for proof). What's funny is that while I was watching that draft, when Stern called out Youngs name as Phillys pick, there was a huge chorus of boos. I never understood that. I'm guessing Philly fans are liking that pick alot more now!

Anyway, sorry to go off topic. Hawes is showing talent and heart. Really bright spot this season. Shown that he can block shots and rebound the ball, now he needs to do it more consistently. I hope Theus give him a few 38 min games so we can see how he does in big minutes. Same goes for Thompson, haven't had a rookie who can contribute like him in a long time.

 

[Sptsjunkie]

Yeah, it's interesting because at the time it looked like the tiers were: the top two+1(Oden and Durant, with Horford a distant third), then Conley through Noah (much to the dismay of Kings fans picking 10) and then Hawes and the rest. The top three have panned out so far, but interesting how I'd definitely take almost any player from the third tier (Hawes, Young, Wright, Thornton) over the second. Have to agree with nbrans that, having only been a year and a half or so removed from the draft, it's still awfully early.

The one player from Tier 2 who I would Wright and potentially Thornton is Brandan Wright. He is still only 20 (like Oden, Hawes, etc.) and I have gotten to see him play in the few Warriors games where he has gotten extended minutes. Right now he is burried on the bench because Nellie loves playing the glut of swingmen the Warriors have along with Biedrens. However, Wright is starting to play pretty well. He can shoot facing the basket, already has a decent baby hook and is a plus man defender who also gets a lot of blocks and steals. He is also quick enough that he will be able to guard versatile forwards. He needs to put on some more weight like all 20 year olds (except Oden), but he looks like he will be a legit NBA player and justify his draft pick.

 

[est.1999]

what's everyone so high on Thornton for? He sucks! Andto top it off he ain't gettin any better. Isn't he like 25 already?

 

[Dime Dropper]

what's everyone so high on Thornton for? He sucks! Andto top it off he ain't gettin any better. Isn't he like 25 already?

Thornton does not suck. He's not a star but he clearly doesn't suck. He is 25 in two days. Garcia is 27 in a few weeks and Thornton is the better player by quite a bit (IMO) and people on here love him.

 

[fnordius]

This topic is way too early, unless one is racing the clock to get it in before Oden's stats (in the last week he's already climbed to the top of the pile in efficiency per 48) get too high. Brandan Wright has also done very well with the pathetic handful of minutes Nellie's given him, how good will he be once someone finally starts playing him? He's in about the same situation that Spencer was in last January, when NOBODY would have crowed about his stats.

Seriously, you can't judge an NBA player's career before they're old enough to drink. Doubly so in the case of bigs, who are usually slower to develop. Try again in a couple of years.

 

[Kingster]

Hawes certainly belongs in the top 5. It will be very interesting to do look at this next year and the year after. Horford is a very fine player. I'm just curious with him how much upside he has. Durant? I just don't know about him yet. The guy that I can't figure is Brewer. I saw him shoot bigtime pressure three point shots in college. Granted, that's not the NBA three point line, but still, he came up big with outside shots. But so far it seems he can't shoot a lick. Go figure.

 

[Emma]

Seriously, you can't judge an NBA player's career before they're old enough to drink. Doubly so in the case of bigs, who are usually slower to develop. Try again in a couple of years.

Just some good natured speculation.. I mean, are the kings fun to watch without some hope for the future?

 

[bajaden]

If I were redrafting the lottery picks knowing what I do now, I would be as thus:

1. Greg Oden
2. Kevin Durant
3. Al Horford
4. Thaddeus Young
5. Spencer Hawes
6. Ramon Sessions
7. Al Thornton
8. Rudy Fernandez
9. Jeff Green
10. Rodney Stuckey
11. Jinlian Yi
12. Carl Landry
13. Acie Law IV
14. Glen Davis

Were you looking over my shoulder. I guess great minds think alike. Thats the exact list I have. Damm you anyway!

 

[bajaden]

what's everyone so high on Thornton for? He sucks! Andto top it off he ain't gettin any better. Isn't he like 25 already?

You are joking, right? He might not be Kobe, but he's a pretty darn good player. Too bad he has to play on such a bad team. He could have lucked out and been on the Kings.

 

[Sptsjunkie]

If I were redrafting the lottery picks knowing what I do now, I would be as thus:

1. Greg Oden
2. Kevin Durant
3. Al Horford
4. Thaddeus Young
5. Spencer Hawes
6. Ramon Sessions
7. Al Thornton
8. Rudy Fernandez
9. Jeff Green
10. Rodney Stuckey
11. Jinlian Yi
12. Carl Landry
13. Acie Law IV
14. Glen Davis

Ok, this is too much fun. Agree largely, but if it were up to me I think:

1. Greg Oden
2. Kevin Durant
3. Al Horford
4. Thaddeus Young
5. Spencer Hawes
6. Rudy Fernandez
7. Ramon Sessions
8. Brandan Wright
9. Al Thornton
10. Jeff Green
11. Rodney Stuckey
12. Jinlian Yi
13. Wilson Chandler
14. Carl Landry

• I think Fernandez goes a little higher. He is young and really looks like a Ginobili clone.
• I am high and Wright and put him above Thornton because of age. Thornton is good, but Wright is starting to produce too and is 5 years younger.
• I also had to add Wilson Chandler to the list. His production is inflated due to the NY offence, but he does look like a ligitimate mini-me version of Marion. I was very tempted to rate him higher and in another couple of months he might be.
• Finally special consideration to Aaron Brooks and Marc Gasol who just missed the list.

 

[Bricklayer]

If I were redrafting the lottery picks knowing what I do now, I would be as thus:

1. Greg Oden
2. Kevin Durant
3. Al Horford
4. Thaddeus Young
5. Spencer Hawes
6. Ramon Sessions
7. Al Thornton
8. Rudy Fernandez
9. Jeff Green
10. Rodney Stuckey
11. Jinlian Yi
12. Carl Landry
13. Acie Law IV
14. Glen Davis

Can pretty much go for the Top 11 there, but despite a lot of respect for Landry's hustle game he's still a 6'7" tweener and think I'd go:

12. Marc Gasol (had forgotten he was part of that draft too)
13. Brandon Wright (who has flashed some real potenital the few times he isn't being Nellied)
14. Joakim Noah (who showed the back half of last year that he's better than he is showing right now).

Like I say, like Landry a lot, but doubtful he'll ever be more than a tweener bench guy, Law hasn't shown much yet, and Big Baby was a nice pick for where he was picked but is always going to be limited. Then that still leaves Landry, Aaron Brooks, Sean Williams, Julian Wright, possibly Crittenton or Splitter, and then depending on how big of a flop you think Brewer or Conley are going to turn out to be...basically a draft 20+ deep.

 

[nbrans]

Sptsjunkie has mine almost exactly, except I'd insert Noah at #9 and fiddle with the end of the list:

1. Greg Oden
2. Kevin Durant
3. Al Horford
4. Thaddeus Young
5. Spencer Hawes
6. Rudy Fernandez
7. Ramon Sessions
8. Brandan Wright
9. Joakim Noah
10. Al Thornton
11. Jeff Green
12. Rodney Stuckey
13. Jinlian Yi
14. Marc Gasol
15. Carl Landry
16. Aaron Brooks
17. Wilson Chandler