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."