Sixers' Hawes hoping for Saturday return

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Spencer Hawes spent the last hour before Friday nights tip-off with both of his feet plunged into a tub of ice. However, if everything goes the way he is planning he should be lacing up his Nikes instead before the next game.

Hawes, sitting out for the sixth game in a row with a strained Achilles, hopes to be able to play against Detroit at the Wells Fargo Center on Saturday night. If a return on Saturday doesnt work out, Hawes is targeting Monday nights game against Dwight Howard and the Orlando Magic.

Maybe tomorrow, but hopefully for Monday, Hawes said about his return to the lineup. I want to put it behind me and not think about it anymore.

Hawes, the fifth-year center, was off to the best start of his career before injuring his back and Achilles. In 12 games he has averages of 10.4 points and 8.8 rebounds with a 58.8 shooting percentage. Heading into Friday nights game, the Sixers are 2-4 without Hawes in the lineup.

Meanwhile, newly signed center Francisco Elson arrived a bit jetlagged after his trip to Philadelphia from his home in The Netherlands. Elson played briefly with the Sixers in 2009-10, arriving with Jodie Meeks in the trade with Milwaukee, but spent last season playing for Utah.

Before arriving in Philadelphia, Elson had been playing with the national team in the Netherlands as well as some a club team during the lockout.

Hes going to give us another guy who has been in this league and has some size, coach Doug Collins said. He gives us depth on the frontline and he knows the different coverages we use out there.

I dont know when Ill be able to utilize him, but you can never have enough big people.

Elson played two seasons in college for California and was a member of the NBA champion San Antonio Spurs in 2007. A second-round pick for the Nuggets in 2003, Elson has played for Denver, San Antonio, Seattle, Milwaukee and Utah.

Its always nice to come back to a place youre familiar with and theyre doing really good, Elson said. In the beginning of the season its always tough to start out well, especially with the shortened season and the lockout. Not everyone is in shape, but Im in shape and feeling good.
The Fresh Prince of Hollywood
The Sixers locker room was abuzz before Friday nights game against Charlotte for a couple of reasons. One was the arrival of the Jrue Holiday bobblehead dolls to be passed out to fans before the game.

Holiday seemed to enjoy his likeness in ceramic doll form.

I look like Im about 50, but its cool, Holiday said.

Meanwhile, minority owner Will Smith was expected to attend Friday nights gamehis first as part of the teams front office.

From West Philadelphia, born and raised, Smith was the star of the hit TV program, The Fresh Prince of Bel Air. Holiday, from nearby Hollywood, was hoping to get a chance to meet one of his new bosses.

Hes the fresh prince of Bel Air and Im the fresh prince of Hollywood, so we have a lot in common, Holiday said.

Meanwhile, second-year guard Evan Turner claimed rookie center Lavoy Allen was the best at the Carlton dance step of all the members of the Sixers, an idea that Allen did not deny.

He should be on Dance Fever, Turner added.
E-mail John R. Finger at jfinger@comcastsportsnet.com.

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