It's a good thing Kings center Spencer Hawes not only decided to take the team's conditioning test but passed.
That kid is up for a contract extension and will start the first five games because of Brad Miller's suspension. And he's telling the team he won't run up and down the court 10 times in 62 seconds because he's afraid he'll hurt his (surgically repaired) knees. Give me a break.
Man, how did Kings management keep a straight face without asking Hawes if he were nuts? One of Hawes' strengths should be his ability to run the floor. He's hardly a muscleman, so agility and skill will be how he gets it done.
Clearly, we're in a new day that gets newer every day. A 20-year-old making nearly $2.2 million a season has the heart to tell his employers he's not doing a conditioning test. By the way, he had the option of working out with strength and conditioning coach Daniel Shapiro for two weeks before camp but elected not to.
Since Hawes brought attention to himself, allow me to bring a little more. Hopefully, sometime between summer league and the regular-season opener, homeboy found a little shot selection.
During the games I watched in summer league, Hawes shot as if he were paid by the attempt. It's already established he's infatuated with his jump shot. However, like most every other player not named Hakeem Olajuwon, Hawes needs to be balanced for 90 percent of them.
Yes, I'm impressed by Hawes' appreciation of Olajuwon. He could choose no better model. But, yo, Spencer, Olajuwon also was one of the best defensive centers ever. He was a shot blocker, a lane plugger and, most of all, a great rebounder.
One should play like a star before one acts like a star, Mr. Hawes.
Moreover, respect your elders, youngster.
Martin is down with Team Jordan
Kings guard Kevin Martin this summer played on the USA Basketball Men's Select team against the eventual Olympic gold-medal-winning U.S. squad.
Martin has yet to make an NBA All-Star team, but with good health and even minimal improvement, this should be the season.
Martin and his representative spent last season talking with Nike and Team Jordan about which company's shoes he'd wear. Now, Nike and Team Jordan are linked at the hip but clearly not at the bank account.
Team Jordan won, and Martin spent a few days in late September at its headquarters.
"I was up there for two days, and it was like I was back in school," Martin said with a chuckle. "We were in class."
Martin said he was joined by former Kings teammate Mike Bibby, Bibby's Atlanta teammate Joe Johnson, Denver's Carmelo Anthony and New Orleans' Chris Paul.
Rio's Odister heads for Cal Poly SLO
Rio Americano High School basketball standout Kyle Odister committed to Cal Poly San Luis Obispo last week, continuing a recent trend of former NorCal Pharaohs heading to Division I schools and beyond.
The Pharaohs, a local Amateur Athletic Union team, have had Ryan Anderson (Cal and the NBA), Elston Turner (Washington), Andy Shannon (Pepperdine), Julian Welch (UC Davis) and Odister move onward.
Moreover, 7-footer Festus Ezeli sat out last season at Vanderbilt but is eligible and could surprise many nationwide.
Call The Bee's Martin McNeal, (916) 326-5504.
