I'm tempted to say this, Spencer Hawes might have more upside than Greg Oden, and could be the better player at the next level. Last night in the USC game, Hawes showed incredible touch with both hands, shooting the ball. On one possession he split an aggressive double team, and shoveled in a left handed floater from 5 feet away. It was amazing creativity and came out of nowhere to surprise the defense. I don't even think most NBA guards could have completed that particular play, but Hawes made it look effortless. He also stepped out to drain a 3pointer with 1 second left to send the game into it's first OT. His footwork, post moves, and overall IQ are reminiscent of Tim Duncan. He has his initial move, a counter move, and then the counter-counter move depending on what the defender does. I think Hawes is going to give Oden a serious run for top overall pick in the 2007 draft. A team can't go wrong with either player, but Hawes is more NBA equipped at this point, and can contribute with points in the paint right away. From what I've seen of both players so far, Oden reminds me of a less athletic David Robinson later on in his career, and Hawes reminds me of Tim Duncan.
<div class="quote_poster">shapecity Wrote</div><div class="quote_post">I'm tempted to say this, Spencer Hawes might have more upside than Greg Oden, and could be the better player at the next level. Last night in the USC game, Hawes showed incredible touch with both hands, shooting the ball. On one possession he split an aggressive double team, and shoveled in a left handed floater from 5 feet away. It was amazing creativity and came out of nowhere to surprise the defense. I don't even think most NBA guards could have completed that particular play, but Hawes made it look effortless. He also stepped out to drain a 3pointer with 1 second left to send the game into it's first OT. His footwork, post moves, and overall IQ are reminiscent of Tim Duncan. He has his initial move, a counter move, and then the counter-counter move depending on what the defender does. I think Hawes is going to give Oden a serious run for top overall pick in the 2007 draft. A team can't go wrong with either player, but Hawes is more NBA equipped at this point, and can contribute with points in the paint right away. From what I've seen of both players so far, Oden reminds me of a less athletic David Robinson later on in his career, and Hawes reminds me of Tim Duncan.</div> Let's not start placing the guy ahead of Greg Oden, but I agree 100% that he's going to be a star. Remember how impressed I was when I saw him play the Lopez twins last year? The guy's a true center, something you don't see much anymore. That's not to say he can't do other things with the ball, because obviously, as you said, he was showing his great shooting touch last night, but rather, that he is very fundamentally sound in the post. Unlike a lot of big men, he doesn't just use his bulk to push his way around - his footwork is perfect - just a very smart player. I personally think that if he stayed around until 2008, he could challenge for the #1 pick. I don't understand how so called 'expert' mock drafts can have the guy so low. Even if he comes out this year, I'd probably take him third overall.
I've been impressed with Hawes ever since last year, but the one number that jumps out at me is that he's nearly 7-feet tall and he's only pulling in about 6 boards a game. That can't be too impressive to NBA scouts where when you look at a guy like Oden, who has dominated the paint in virtually every game this year (with the exception against Florida). Hawes to me doesn't look like a pure post player at this point in his career with his limited moves down there along with his decent mid-range jumper. Even considering him above Oden, this year, to me is a bit ridiculous to be honest.
I see the resemblence but not at this point. Hawes just seems raw to me, even though everyone says he isn't, I think he looks raw. Oden gets more hype that Hawes though, Oden highlights were on all over the day he made a debut, while Hawes plays at some really late times for the East Coast. The LSU game where he ate Big Baby up was on at 10:30 on the East, so by the time the was over, ESPN was showing Sportscenter rerun. Maybe a west coast team like Portland or Seattle would have their sights set on a local northwest product above Oden, but at this rate it looks like a east coast team will win it.
I never rated him above Oden this year, I said he might be better at the next level and have more upside than Oden. Saying he doesn't look like a pure post player and has limited moves is ridiculous. I'm wondering if you've seen him play, after making that statement? He's only averaging 6 rebounds a game, because he's only played starter minutes his last 3 games. His average is 8.7 RPG and 23.3 PPG in these 3 games. In comparison Oden is averaging 8 RPG and 13.8 PPG. Hawes rebounding numbers are also effected by the fact he has Brockman playing alongside him. Brockman's is pulling down 10 rebounds a game. It really limits your opportunities when you have an active forward swooping in for rebounds. The main advantage Oden has over Hawes is his physical strength. Hawes needs to work on his upperbody.
Haven't been able to see Hawes play very much yet but I think Oden is a bit overhyped and it wouldn't surprise me if Hawes did end up being better down the road. Personally, I am extremely high on Durant and tihnk he is the most talented player in the draft, but then agian I haven't seen Hawes and a few other of the top prospects.
I think the Tim Duncan comparison is accurate. He definitely has the size and post moves to be a star at the next level but what sets him apart from your standard big white center is the his fluidity and range. He is the rare Duncan-esque combination of being able to dominate the paint and slip around to make sleek plays. And like his play against Big Baby showed, he isn't intimidated by the beefier centers out there despite him being a little on the thinner side. He just out-classes most other centers, just like Tim Duncan.
Of current NBA big men, I'd say Hawes has a game most similar to Duncan. He has an overall polish to his game that I've rarely seen in a young big, but he does have some work to do defensively. I think he could stay at Washington for a few years, too. Since so many mocks have him in the middle of the pack right now, sticking around till 2008 or 09 could make him the easy #1 pick and/or win the Huskies a title.
<div class="quote_poster">Schaddy Wrote</div><div class="quote_post">Of current NBA big men, I'd say Hawes has a game most similar to Duncan. He has an overall polish to his game that I've rarely seen in a young big, but he does have some work to do defensively. I think he could stay at Washington for a few years, too. Since so many mocks have him in the middle of the pack right now, sticking around till 2008 or 09 could make him the easy #1 pick and/or win the Huskies a title.</div> Playing for the Pac-10 is probably the reason he's being overlooked. I mean look at all the so-called experts sleeping on Oregon. The anti-West Coast sentiment in college filters down to the players and coaches. I'm an advocate of players staying in college for more than a year, but I doubt Hawes will stick around. He probably would have went straight out of highschool if he had the opportunity. Talented bigs tend to skyrocket up mock drafts once the NBA draft date nears. If Hawes declares himself eligible, he'll move into at least the top 10. Defensively, he does have room to improve, and based on his physical gifts I think he's more than capable of being just as effective as Duncan. He has the wingspan, height, light on his feet, good instincts, and once he gains some strength and learns how to position himself he'll be solid.
I go to UW, but saying Spencer is going to be better than Oden is just silly. He's making hook shots over players four inches shorter than him. Don't get me wrong, he's a fantastic player and prospect and I worship the ground he walks on, but he's no Tim Duncan. Mostly because of the defense. And his jump shot is probably overrated right now. Also, Cougs suck.
<div class="quote_poster">shapecity Wrote</div><div class="quote_post">Talented bigs tend to skyrocket up mock drafts once the NBA draft date nears. If Hawes declares himself eligible, he'll move into at least the top 10. </div> Just like the overhyped Pattycake O'Bryant and Saer Sene.....hell even throw in Channing Frye to prove your point
