Spencer Hawes to have Gasol-Type Role
“I want (Hawes) to play the Pau Gasol role with Bynum,” Collins said. “Both (Hawes and Gasol) like to play out on the perimeter because they can shoot the ball and are very good passers.” – Doug Collins, from Sixers.com
Hawes still can’t guard power forwards, but with the addition of Andrew Bynum, the Sixers have enough players to somewhat mask Hawes defensive deficiencies at the four. Because the Sixers have a legitimate defensive presence in the post, for the first time since Samuel Dalembert, Hawes will have legitimate help behind him, and won’t have to defend the opposing team’s best post scorer. And because starting Hawes at the four creates offensive balance for the rest of the starting lineup, it allows Collins to start a backcourt of Jrue Holiday andEvan Turner, without fear of inadequate floor spacing. And starting both Jrue Holiday and Evan Turner, gives the Sixers two above average perimeter defenders, to go along with Bynum’s defensive prowess in the post, so Hawes won’t be asked do too much defensively, other than stand there with his hands up.
On the other side of the ball, Hawes’ ability to “stretch the floor”, and pass from the high post, gives the Sixers a balanced offense – on paper – for the first time since I can remember. Jrue and Evan can both drive and dish. Dorell Wright or Jason Richardson can stand in the corner and shoot open threes. Spencer Hawes can find cutters and/or Bynum from the high post. And Andrew Bynum can do his thing from the post, without an excess of paint-traffic. And keeping Thaddeus Young on the bench plays to both his individual, and the team’s strength.
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