Spencer Hawes is leading the Sixers in rebounds (12.7) and assists (4.7), while shooting 64 percent from the floor.

Sixers coach Doug Collins said that Hawes is a natural passer.

"He was great last year as a passer," Collins said. "The one problem is that last year he would start out games making high-risk passes. I used to kid him, I'd say, 'Spencer, if you are going to start out turning the ball over the first play of the game, you might as well kick it into the stands so we can get our defense back and at least it's not a fastbreak.'

"But a big part of the efficiency of our offense is that Spencer is very skilled; he sees the floor very well and guys cut off of him because they know he will find them," Collins continued. "It's like anything else. When you run the floor and you know somebody is inclined to be a passer, you are more inclined to cut.

"And Spencer is one of the better passing big men in the NBA."

Sixers coach Doug Collins says Andre Iguodala needs to think about shooting the ball more often.

“I think he’s been much more aggressive on offense in practice than he has in games and I told him he needs to carry that mindset into games,” Collins said about Iguodala. “Sometimes he gets so unselfish and he passes up shots that, that can become a little contagious. I think that’s one of the things that hurt us last night because we passed up some shots early in the game.”

During the past four seasons, Iguodala’s scoring average has fallen every year, while his assists per game have risen. That means Iguodala is getting the ball just the same as always, only he’s giving it up more often.

Last season, the Sixers were ninth lowest in opponents’ field goal percentage, holding teams to 45 percent shooting. And their 14 forced turnovers per game ranked the 13th in the league.

Eight days before their regular season schedule opens Collins has his guys thinking “next level” defensively.

“We would like to get a few more deflections and get in the open court,” Collins said after Sunday’s practice. “The other night at the half we had 19. We set a goal to get 35 a game and if we do that means we are active, disruptive, pressure the ball and it is hard for teams to just come down and throw the ball in the post against you.”

Andre Iguodala changed his eating habits and he added boxing to his workout regiment. As a result, a brand new 215-pound Iguodala arrived last Friday.

“I haven’t missed any practice time,” Iguodala said. “I have been going through scrimmages without asking for a sub. I feel lighter. I am 10 pounds lighter than last year, which takes added pressure off my knees so it feels good.”

It also feels good to know what coach Doug Collins wants from him. A year ago, there was a feeling-out process.

“Just be aggressive, not settling on any one thing,” Iguodala said. “Obviously, on the fast break pushing it up. I think Jrue (Holiday) and I do a good job of kicking it ahead. When he kicks it ahead to me I can make a play and when I kick it he can, so as long as I am being aggressive, making plays and getting to the foul line I feel like I am putting the team in a good position.”

The Sixers officially re-signed veteran center Tony Battie to a one-year deal on Monday.

Battie appeared in 39 games last season for the Sixers and all five playoff games. The 13-year veteran averaged 2.6 points and 2.6 rebounds in 10 minutes per game.

"We are happy to have Tony back with us," Sixers president Rod Thorn said in a statement. "He will add depth to our frontcourt and his veteran savvy will be invaluable to our locker room."

Spencer Hawes will remain with the Sixers on the one-year qualifying offer.

Hawes will become an unrestricted free agent next summer.

Thaddeus Young has agreed to a five-year, $42 million contract with the Sixers, according to sources.

Young was a restricted free agent.

The Sixers are close to a deal to keep Thaddeus Young, according to sources.

Young is a restricted free agent.

Tony Battie has re-signed with the Sixers on a one-year deal, according to a source.

Battie, 35, played in 38 games last season for the Sixers, averaging 2.6 points and 2.6 rebounds a game.

Nikola Vucevic was unable to lead KK Buducnost Voli into the next round of Eurocup, but he was still named Week 4 MVP.

Vucevic scored 22 points with 7-for-8 shooting on two-point shots and 8-for-8 free throws, pulled 10 rebounds, dished two assists and drew five fouls.