DAVIS - Spencer Hawes has been a visible presence during negotiations between the NBA and National Basketball Players Association (or whatever it's called these days).
The former Kings center who was traded to Philadelphia before the 2010 NBA Draft isn't the 76ers player rep (that's Jason Kapono) but that hasn't stopped Hawes from being proactive in knowing the issues and attending meetings.
It's not an easy job.
"The last time I went back there (to New York) it was a 24-hour trip from Seattle so I'd say it's exhausting," Hawes said.
Hawes was in town for Donte' Greene's Goon Squad Classic. Players are making the rounds across the country playing in exhibition games for charity while waiting on a new deal, one that some thought was imminent.
But when player reps voted to reject the last offer from the NBA, it made the cancelation of the NBA season a little bit more of a possibility.
More than a month's worth of games has already been canceled with more sure to come in the coming weeks if no deal is close.
It also brought other questions as to whether players are fully informed on the issues. There has been speculation that players would vote in favor of the deal if given the chance if not for biased information provided to players.
"I think everyone now is very well informed," Hawes said. "And we're united. We're onboard and everyone knows what we're fighting for."
For his part Hawes does his best to make sure players know what the details are of the CBA talks.
"It goes both ways," Hawes said. "I get a lot of calls and I try to stay in touch with as many people as I can."
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