By FRANK WARD
DailyPhiladelphian.com Editor
Since Dikembe Mutumbo was screaming, “Who wants to go to LA with me?” after the 2001 Eastern Conference Finals, the Sixers have been searching for a true force in the paint.
Samuel Dalembert just was not that kind of player. He was always good for some blocks, but beyond that he was entirely too inconsistent.
The trade to get Spencer Hawes is finally starting to pay dividends.
When Doug Collins and Co. dealt Dalembert this summer, the hope was that Spencer Hawes would flash the skills thatmade him a first round pick after playing just one season at Washington.
Hawes may be coming into his own under Collins’ direction. After failing to post double digit rebounds and only hitting double digit points in his first 20 games of the year, he’s finally putting up some worthy numbers and the Sixers are winning.
He’s hit double digits in points in five of his six last games, averaging 13 points a game during the stretch. He’s also posted consecutive double-doubles.
The Sixers are 4-2 over that stretch.
Hawes appears to be getting in shape and is beasting down low. If he keeps it up, he could very well play himself into the Sixers future plans and a contract extension at the end of the season.
Hawes can score and also rebound IF he decides to get into shape–NBA Shape. He is only 22 with a huge body and good offensive potential. He needs to care a bit more overall, especially on defense.