spencer hawes

[reid1boys]

I have been waiting for him to get big minutes. he just showed last night why the Kings are so high on him.

How many centers in the league come off of low screens get the ball free throw line or out and turn and pop a jumper?

If he can just learn when to kick it out and not try spin moves in traffic, he could have a great year.

Last night I saw him kick it out on a double, which I havent seen from him before.

His agressiveness on the boards got me up out of the seat. the board when he came WAY UP HIGH one arm extended, knocked over the rocket player in front of him and went right back up was the play of the night for me.

All you negative posters shut the heck up. We know the Kings arent making the playoffs this year, but they are finally doing what we have been waiting for. They are starting over with youth. What more can you ask for from this team? if they put out effort all year and win 35 games, I am pretty happy. ESPECIALLY if Hawes and Thompson get big minutes all season.

If Hawes plays like thisd all year it is time to trade Miller.

 

[venom_7]

get off the high horse. Based on the rest of his preseason, performances like this will be few and far between.

 

[JerN820]

get off the high horse. Based on the rest of his preseason, performances like this will be few and far between.

To be fair, the kid is only 20. Players develop at different rates. It took Kevin a few years to become a consistant scorer. I think fans are excited at the potential Spencer has shown in flashes. Plus you make it sound like he has only had like 1 or 2 good preseason games, when he has played well more often than not.

 

[NME]

get off the high horse. Based on the rest of his preseason, performances like this will be few and far between.

Young players who are going to be good players flash their potential sporadically, which becomes more and more consistent until they actually become good players. The skills that he displayed in this game don't just go away because he can't yet apply them fully every night. So basically, because he struggled in his two matchups against Oden, you ignore everything he's shown.

For the preseason as a whole, in 27 minutes he put up 11 pts, 8 reb, 2 ast, and 1 blk, which matches the production in his stretch of 8 starts last year (in which he averaged 33 minutes). Just what the heck are you expecting/demanding from a 20 year old 7 footer, anyway?

Oden, by the way, for his part this preseason has put up 11 pts, 8 reb, 1 ast, and 1 blk in 23 minutes a game.

 

[Jechtsphere]

Besides the Blazers games Hawes has played pretty well.

The kid is 20 and will be pretty good.

 

[bajaden]

Young players who are going to be good players flash their potential sporadically, which becomes more and more consistent until they actually become good players. The skills that he displayed in this game don't just go away because he can't yet apply them fully every night. So basically, because he struggled in his two matchups against Oden, you ignore everything he's shown.

For the preseason as a whole, in 27 minutes he put up 11 pts, 8 reb, 2 ast, and 1 blk, which matches the production in his stretch of 8 starts last year (in which he averaged 33 minutes). Just what the heck are you expecting/demanding from a 20 year old 7 footer, anyway?

Oden, by the way, for his part this preseason has put up 11 pts, 8 reb, 1 ast, and 1 blk in 23 minutes a game.

I completely agree. Of course one would have to take a logical approach to have this type of observation. There are people who are going to see what they want to see regardless of the facts.

Last night Hawes outplayed Yao. I don't think he'll do that every time they meet, but one needs to give credit when its due. Yao is bigger, older, more experienced and an all star. So when Hawes outplayes a player of that ilk, put your hands together and applaud, and hope that this is just the beginning.

 

[reid1boys]

get off the high horse.


What high horse? Im just tired of people bashing everyone. We know the Kings arent going anywhere this year, so accept it and stop whining. Hopefully the youngsters get better, and hawes is definately showing he can play.


Based on the rest of his preseason, performances like this will be few and far between.

You must not have been watching mush of the preaseason.

 

[ReyDelCastillo]

I, for one, am excited to see Spencer play big minutes.. I was actually somewhat glad that Miller was suspended for the first five games if only so we get a chance to see what Spencer can really do. If he does well in those games, I think it will help him tremendously in his confidence. Plus it might actually put pressure on Miller to play hard and consistent.

When Miller comes back, I would actually like to see more of Spencer and Miller play together. I think that's a good combo in the front court.

 

[Kingster]

After the Portland game, I said on this board that Reggie should run some plays for Spencer and have him come off some screens and that would increase his confidence. VOILA! That's exactly what happened. Hawes is very good coming off screens, and when he's going up against bigger centers like Yao or Oden this will really help him. Against Portland, Theus did none of this, but he's starting to understand Spencer's strengths a little more. Once Spencer gets his offense going, he's like a lot of young players - his defense and rebounding gets better because he just relaxes more. It's obviously important to have a power forward who can play with Spencer who can hit the outside shot; otherwise, the opposing center will just play the pf and the opposing pf will play Spencer.

I think in a couple of years Spencer will be much improved in the low post. Then you'll have a guy who can go low against the smaller players and high against the bigger players. There is much potential yet that we haven't seen because you have a 7-footer who can come off screens, and a guy who can pass and dribble off that screen. That is a very valuable commodity.

 

[Big Cuz 15]

get off the high horse.


What high horse? Im just tired of people bashing everyone. We know the Kings arent going anywhere this year, so accept it and stop whining. Hopefully the youngsters get better, and hawes is definately showing he can play.


Based on the rest of his preseason, performances like this will be few and far between.

You must not have been watching mush of the preaseason.

not everybody is bashing. hawes needs more playing time to build that consistency. what they really need to do is move b-rad out and let the guy gain that valuable on the job experience.

 

[Lupin]

I seem to remember Martin's second preseason in the league. I don't remember much good happening. Well, at least in the beginning of the season I didn't. I just don't seem to remember preseasons very well.

But look what happened to Martin later on that season.

 

[HighTopKicks]

It's obviously important to have a power forward who can play with Spencer who can hit the outside shot; otherwise, the opposing center will just play the pf and the opposing pf will play Spencer.

I think in a couple of years Spencer will be much improved in the low post. Then you'll have a guy who can go low against the smaller players and high against the bigger players. There is much potential yet that we haven't seen because you have a 7-footer who can come off screens, and a guy who can pass and dribble off that screen. That is a very valuable commodity.

The switching of coverage on defense works just as well for us. Shelden has been the best low post defender against the oppositions big centers. The combo of Hawes and Shelden allows Spence to cover the PF and stay out of foul trouble.

I believe JT & Shelden need more PT. There presence in the 2nd quarter lead to better defense in the paint, more blocks and steal, more rebounds and more fast break points off ot those rebounds.

 

[Prince_XY]

There are people who are going to see what they want to see regardless of the facts.

I am one of those people guilty of this. I am posting here to rectify myself for having written off this kid much too early than I should. Maybe I should give Hawes one more season.

Actually, I was one of those people very optimistic on the raw talent of Hawes last year. Everything changed though when the issue on him not wanting to take the endurance test came about. I thought although the kid had shown signs he can be a great NBA player, his previous injury will prevent him from developing into one. My concern was more on Hawes' effort to develop himself further because of his concern of a career ending injury.

I was also wrong for not realizing the kid is only 20 years old, on his second season only, and actually has a body that is not fully developed. The kid can still get stronger and quicker on his moves.

Hawes had shown in most of the pre-season games that he can give due effort to at least get 10 rebounds per game and 1 block with starter minutes. I just wish coach Theus continues to give him at least 30 minutes of playing time during the reagular season - may it be at #5 when Miller is on the bench and preferably most of it at #4 when Miller is inside playing )

With Miller at #5 continuing to be a double-double player this season, Hawes playing at #4 and raking in double digit rebounds, and Thompson continuing to show he can also grab double digit rebounds if playing starter minutes ( he grabs 5-7 rebounds in 15-17 minutes of playing time ) - I think the Kings have finally found a solution to their woes on the rebound department.

But wait, what are we doing about defense coach Theus?

 

[reid1boys]

Im not so sure hawes can play the 4, and by that, im mostly talking about defending strong, quick 4s. Im not sure Id like to see Miller and Hawes on the court together.


i wouldnt mind Hawes just being the starting center and live with the results this year just so he develops.

I have yet to see a player get better by sitting on the bench.

 

[HighTopKicks]

Im not so sure hawes can play the 4, and by that, im mostly talking about defending strong, quick 4s. Im not sure Id like to see Miller and Hawes on the court together.


i wouldnt mind Hawes just being the starting center and live with the results this year just so he develops.

I have yet to see a player get better by sitting on the bench.

It should all be based on the situation. Who would have thought that Hawes, Williams, JT would work as our front line. But, JT played well against Artest, and the combo got rebounds, steals and some easy fast break pts. It's not just who plays well together, but who they're playing against.

Against the Clippers, I could see Miller & Williams playing center and Hawes and JT at PF.

 

[reid1boys]

Im not sold on Williams at all. his offensive game is non existent, and he is undersized. i dont see many upsides to him at all, and i dont think he is going to get any PT once the seasons starts.

 

[HighTopKicks]

Im not sold on Williams at all. his offensive game is non existent, and he is undersized. i dont see many upsides to him at all, and i dont think he is going to get any PT once the seasons starts.

I keep hearing this undersized quote. He's a PF that can backup at center. At PF he's certainly not undersized. Against Yao, Hawes is undersized.

Yes, his offensive skills are not refined. When was the last time you saw Mikki create for himself. Has Moore ever put the ball on the floor and driven to the basket. So, why aren't people criticizing Moore's offense.

When Hawes got 3 quick fouls against Oden (both times) Shelden came in and held Oden & Przsbilla to less than 4 pts in both games. And, I've always considered defensive stops to be just as valueable as offensive baskets.

Shelden is exactly what he was projected to be when he was drafted, a defensive force. Whether his offense ever improves, who knows. But, I'm willing to give Greene' time to learn defense, and I'm willing to give Shelden time to learn offense. In the mean time, he offers one thing our team needs, that's interior defense and toughness.

 

[Jer]

I keep hearing this undersized quote. He's a PF that can backup at center.

Shelden's about the same size and weight as Carlos Boozer, and Carlos does just fine.

It's not Shelden's size that's the main problem; he's just really not all that good.

 

[Kingster]

The switching of coverage on defense works just as well for us. Shelden has been the best low post defender against the oppositions big centers. The combo of Hawes and Shelden allows Spence to cover the PF and stay out of foul trouble.

I believe JT & Shelden need more PT. There presence in the 2nd quarter lead to better defense in the paint, more blocks and steal, more rebounds and more fast break points off ot those rebounds.

I saw the same thing in the 2nd quarter. Very impressive. Sheldon can help us some this year, but longer term it looks like Thompson is the answer. He'll get stronger, just like Spencer, and we'll have an interchangeable duo that will be very hard to match up for the opposing team. It's just not going to happen overnight.

 

[gunks]

Just saw the boxscore....


Hawes destroyed Yao....

Very nice. The kid is anything but consistant, but like other posters have said: he's 20. Should hopefully fill out a bit more over the next few seasons.


I'm a lot more excited by the 16 boards then his efficant scoring. Shows he can crash if the effort is there.

 

[bajaden]

I've said it before and I'll say it again. Sheldon, is just simply not an offensive player in this league. Gravity seems to effect him more than others. He is a decent to good post defender, depending on the match up. He's also a good rebounder, once again, depending on the match up. He has good shot blocking instincts, but gravity and lack of length hurt him in this area.

So, he can help in the right situation. The question is. Is he a luxury we can afford? Thats not a retorical question.

 

[Lupin]

So I'm just wondering... did anybody come up with the word "hawesome" yet? Am I late on this discovery?

 

[HighTopKicks]

I've said it before and I'll say it again. Sheldon, is just simply not an offensive player in this league. Gravity seems to effect him more than others. He is a decent to good post defender, depending on the match up. He's also a good rebounder, once again, depending on the match up. He has good shot blocking instincts, but gravity and lack of length hurt him in this area.

So, he can help in the right situation. The question is. Is he a luxury we can afford? Thats not a retorical question.

How much more offense does Moore bring?

Can we afford to allow our opponents to blow past our guards and run layup drills for the rest of the season? That is retorical. Something needs to change to improve our defense. Maybe, it's JT starting or maybe it's more time for Shelden or maybe it's better help defense from Moore. But, what ever it is, we better find out soon, because this team can't win if it continues to give up 110 pts a game.

 

[bajaden]

How much more offense does Moore bring?

Can we afford to allow our opponents to blow past our guards and run layup drills for the rest of the season? That is retorical. Something needs to change to improve our defense. Maybe, it's JT starting or maybe it's more time for Shelden or maybe it's better help defense from Moore. But, what ever it is, we better find out soon, because this team can't win if it continues to give up 110 pts a game.

My observations about Williams were by no means an endorsement of Moore. Actually, if you could somehow meld the two players into one, you'd have a pretty good basketball player. That aside, I think the long term answer is Thompson. He's long and athletic and can easily carry another 15 to 20 pounds of muscle. All he needs is experience.

I realize that doesn't do much for wednsdays game, but were just going to have to live with the situation until it sorts itself out. My wish is for Thompson to be starting, or, at worse, be getting the bulk of the minutes at the PF position by the all star game.

 

[Entity]

Thompson has gotten more controlled toward the end of preseason. He puts up better stats than Mikki on less min. I don't mind Moore starting or even getting the most min of the 2 for now. What I do mind is seeing KT a guy that was told he wasn't part of the future plans last year. Now we got 2 guys (Hawes and Thompson) that are part of the future and KT gets 8 or 9 min? WTF why? he isn't any better. He is going to get any better and he hinders thier growth as players in which experience goes a long way. WTF??? please put his butt in a suit.

 

[HighFlyingMonkey]

Thompson has gotten more controlled toward the end of preseason. He puts up better stats than Mikki on less min. I don't mind Moore starting or even getting the most min of the 2 for now. What I do mind is seeing KT a guy that was told he wasn't part of the future plans last year. Now we got 2 guys (Hawes and Thompson) that are part of the future and KT gets 8 or 9 min? WTF why? he isn't any better. He is going to get any better and he hinders thier growth as players in which experience goes a long way. WTF??? please put his butt in a suit.

The only thinking keeping Thompson from being a contributor this year is experience and rhythm, IMO. You're right that his play has improved a lot over the preseason even though his stats haven't, as he is becoming more accustomed to playing with players just as tall or taller than he is (although he did try to challenge Yao that one time last game... keep learning rookie!).

The other factor that I think a lot of people are overlooking is the fact that there hasn't been a set rotation for the bigs through the entire preseason. The guys were being shuffled in and out like a deck of cards. First game Hawes started, next game Miller started, Thompson being the first big off the bench in one game and then Shelden the next, 10 minutes of SF minutes here, 5 minutes of Kenny Thomas there... no continuity at all. Seriously, look at all of the sets of combinations we used for spurts:

Mikki/Hawes
Mikki/Miller
Thompson/Miller
Shelden/Thompson
K9/Mikki
K9/Thompson
Thompson/K9/Shelden
Thompson/Shelden/Hawes
Shelden/Mikki
Thompson/Hawes

And I'm pretty sure I missed some. Whereas in the regular season, the rotation will probably look like this:

1. (Starting) Mikki/Miller
2. (Hawes subs in) Mikki/Hawes
3. (Thompson subs in) Thompson/Hawes
4. (Miller back in) Thompson/Miller
5. (Starters to end the game) Mikki/Miller

Maybe then, as the season goes along, we'll see something definitive from Thompson.

 

[Entity]

I think you will see some Miller and Hawes at the same time as well.

 

[HighTopKicks]

My observations about Williams were by no means an endorsement of Moore. Actually, if you could somehow meld the two players into one, you'd have a pretty good basketball player. That aside, I think the long term answer is Thompson. He's long and athletic and can easily carry another 15 to 20 pounds of muscle. All he needs is experience.

I realize that doesn't do much for wednsdays game, but were just going to have to live with the situation until it sorts itself out. My wish is for Thompson to be starting, or, at worse, be getting the bulk of the minutes at the PF position by the all star game.

Agree, But my thought are about Wed.'s Game. The Miller/Moore duo has shown to be pourous in the paint for a year now. Now, Hawes on the other hand has shown some good defensive skills ( blocks,steal,ect ). So, I say start Hawes with JT, backup with Miller and Shelden. You won't get less offense the Moore's 8.5ppg aver. last year. But, you will get better Rebounding and defense in the paint. And, isn't turnovers, rebounds, ahd help defense what Reggie was quoted as being our weaknesses in this mornings Bee.

 

[Gary]

To be fair, the kid is only 20. Players develop at different rates. It took Kevin a few years to become a consistant scorer. I think fans are excited at the potential Spencer has shown in flashes. Plus you make it sound like he has only had like 1 or 2 good preseason games, when he has played well more often than not.

Huh? It took more minutes for Kevin to become consistent imo.. Adelman didn't play him in his rookie year.. His second year out there he was backup and did awesome. The rest is history.. I remember watchig him his rookie year wondering why he couldn't get more minutes.. Than I realized who was coaching.

 

[Gary]

Thompson has gotten more controlled toward the end of preseason. He puts up better stats than Mikki on less min. I don't mind Moore starting or even getting the most min of the 2 for now. What I do mind is seeing KT a guy that was told he wasn't part of the future plans last year. Now we got 2 guys (Hawes and Thompson) that are part of the future and KT gets 8 or 9 min? WTF why? he isn't any better. He is going to get any better and he hinders thier growth as players in which experience goes a long way. WTF??? please put his butt in a suit.

What about the rest of him? I don't want to see only his butt covered in a suit and the rest of him nude....