With DeMarcus Cousins replacing ailing Samuel Dalembert in the starting lineup, I took a look back at the offseason trade involving Andres Nocioni and Spencer Hawes. And based on the team's records and individual stats, neither center seems to be benefitting appreciably from the move.
Dalembert, the former Philadelphia 76ers veteran who arrived at training camp in poor shape (partly because of his time spent in Haiti working for various charities, and also because he has never been known for his intense offseason conditioning regime) is averaging 4.6 points, 7.8 rebounds and shooting 38 percent - well below his career averages of 8.0 points and 8.3 boards, and 52 percent field goal shooting. One contributing factor undoubtedly is the Kings' insistence on utilizing him as an offensive threat, particularly in the low post, which was not even a remote consideration during his time in Philly. The wiry, athletic Dalembert was regarded as a shotblocker and defender who could trigger fastbreaks, hit the faceup jumper and surprise with an occasional creative pass. But he accepted as a streaky, unpredictable scorer, and was never envisioned as an offensive force, particularly from the low block.
Hawes, who has a history of knee issues, has been healthy, but disappointing. As one Sixers insider suggested to me earlier tonight, "Hawes can play in the league, but he is just not a starting center." The Kings' former first-round pick - selected only because Joakim Noah was plucked one pick earlier - is averaging 5.8 points and 3.8 rebounds. Given the fact that Doug Collins is one of the most exacting and demanding coaches in the league, it will be interesting to see how long he sticks with Hawes in the starting lineup.
The Sixers, by the way, are much happier with Nocioni. And vice versa. The Argentine was absolutely miserable here last year. He privately and repeatedly complained about the Kings' chronic lack of ball movement, most notably the tendency for the guards to ignore open wing players on the break, echoing the more recent sentiments of journeyman Ime Udoka. The former Kings reserve, who was re-signed by the Spurs, told reporters in San Antonio last week that, in Sacramento, there was "a lot of standing around."
If Cousins can stay out of foul trouble - and Paul Westphal's doghouse - he should be able to facilitate the offense. He is such a gifted, intuitive passer, I can't even imagine how effective he would be in a balanced offensive system that features movement, screening and teamwork. The longer I do this job, the more I appreciate Phil Jackson and Jerry Sloan, and believe in the importance of physical conditioning.
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