Spencer Hawes Still Finding His Way With Los Angeles Clippers
Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports
The biggest offseason acquisition the Los Angeles Clippers made this summer was signing big man Spencer Hawes to a four-year deal worth $23 million. In his first seven games in a Clippers uniform, Hawes has yet to live up to that contract. The veteran center is averaging a mere 6.4 points and 3.7 rebounds per game, way below his career average. He is shooting a career-low 40 percent from the field and averaging only 17 minutes per game, his lowest since his rookie season.
A strained left foot has hindered Hawes so far this season and is the main reason his playing time has gone down so drastically. Head coach Doc Rivers has been monitoring his minutes, yet Hawes has not optimized his playing time so far. Though the lingering foot issue has slowed Hawes down, he admitted that he is pressing too much.
“You want to make a great first impression, you want to come in and prove that you can fit in, that you belong, and sometimes you kind of press,” said Hawes. “I know kind of my personality, that’s what I kind of tend to do. So it’s a fine line of trying to make an impact without overdoing it.”
Hawes was able to break out of his shooting slump Monday night against the San Antonio Spurs, making 4-of-6 shots in a 89-85 loss. He only played 14 minutes, however, as Rivers continues to restrict his playing time.
The Clippers don’t play again until Saturday, and Rivers said Hawes won’t practice all week so he can rest his foot. Let’s hope rest is all Hawes needs so he can finally start to fit in with his new team.
Dan Lovi is an NBA writer for www.RantSports.com. Follow him on Twitter @DannyALovi. “Like” him on Facebook or add him to your network on Google.
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