Spencer Hawes, a towering presence on the basketball court, began his professional journey when he was selected by the Sacramento Kings as the 10th overall pick in the 2007 NBA Draft. Standing at 7 feet 1 inch, Hawes brought a unique skill set to the center position, combining traditional post play with an ability to stretch the floor with his shooting. His rookie season with the Kings saw him gradually adapt to the rigors of the NBA, as he averaged 4.7 points and 3.2 rebounds per game.
After three seasons with Sacramento, Hawes was traded to the Philadelphia 76ers in 2010. It was with the 76ers that he began to find his rhythm, becoming a regular starter and contributing significantly to the team's efforts. During the 2011-2012 season, Hawes played a crucial role in helping the 76ers reach the Eastern Conference Semifinals. His ability to pass from the high post and shoot from mid-range added a different dimension to Philadelphia's offense. In the lockout-shortened season, he averaged 9.6 points, 7.3 rebounds, and 2.6 assists per game.
Hawes continued to develop his game in Philadelphia, and during the 2013-2014 season, he posted career-high numbers, averaging 13.0 points, 8.5 rebounds, and 3.3 assists per game. His performance caught the attention of the Cleveland Cavaliers, who acquired him in a mid-season trade. With the Cavaliers, Hawes maintained his level of play, providing a veteran presence and contributing to the team's frontcourt depth.
In the summer of 2014, Hawes signed with the Los Angeles Clippers, where he played as a backup center. His time with the Clippers was marked by a reduced role, as he averaged 5.8 points and 3.5 rebounds per game over the course of the season. Despite the limited playing time, Hawes continued to demonstrate his ability to stretch defenses with his shooting.
The following year, Hawes was traded to the Charlotte Hornets, where he spent two seasons. In Charlotte, he found a niche as a reliable bench player, providing valuable minutes and experience. During the 2015-2016 season, he averaged 6.0 points and 4.3 rebounds per game, helping the Hornets secure a playoff berth.
Hawes' final NBA stop came with the Milwaukee Bucks, where he was traded in February 2017. His stint with the Bucks was brief, as he played in just 19 games before being waived in September of the same year. Throughout his career, Hawes was known for his shooting touch, basketball IQ, and ability to facilitate from the center position.
After leaving the NBA, Hawes continued to stay involved with basketball, though details of his post-NBA career remain sparse.
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