Highlights of a live chat with Philadelphia 76ers player Spencer Hawess, a former star at Seattle Prep and the University of Washington.

Question: Are you the least athletic player in the NBA?

Hawes: No, I actually tested better than Kevin Durant at the 2006 draft combine. We were the last two.

Q: What would having an NBA team in Seattle mean to you?

Hawes: It would be a dream come true to see the Sonics come back to Seattle and be able to play in front of my friends and family in the NBA. Last time I played in Seattle, I had four points. I would like to redeem myself.

Q: Are you excited for Jamal Crawford's charity game in Spokane?

Hawes: I'm thrilled to be a part of the Jamal Crawford A PLUS Classic in Spokane, June 30 at Spokane Arena during Hoopfest. Last year in Seattle, the game was a success, and we look forward to building this year in Spokane.

Q: You were a lottery pick, so it is hard to second-guess you going into the NBA draft when you did. Do you regret missing out on another year at UW, and playing with Jon Brockman?

Hawes: As much fun as it would have been to stay in college and continue my career at UW, I still believe I made the best decision for me and am always glad to see the continued success of the program.

Q: Since you've now been in the league five years, who has been the toughest center to play against?

Hawes: Yao Ming.

Q: Why is Washington afraid to play the Zags?

Hawes: Typical Mark Few propaganda. Hopefully the great rivalry will return on an annual basis soon.

Q: Who is your favorite rap artist?

Hawes: Juelz Santana and Cam'ron tied with Asher Roth.

Q: I am intrigued by the meaning behind No. 00.

Hawes: Inspired by Greg Ostertag and Robert Parish.

Q: Give us some insight into the upcoming Huskies basketball season.

Hawes: It will be difficult to replace the production out of the backcourt they are losing, but having spent so much time with the young guys during the lockout last year, I'm confident they will bounce back quickly and it will be another very successful Husky basketball campaign.

Q: Thoughts on Brandon Roy returning?

Hawes: I hope he is able to work out and his health continues to improve. It would be great for me personally to see a friend make a comeback like that and good for basketball as a whole.

Q: Best coffee in Seattle?

Hawes: Caffe Appassionato.

Q: What is the score of Seattle Prep 2000 state champs vs. Seattle Prep 2006 champs?

Hawes: A lot to a little, '06.

Q: When you retire from the NBA, will you please run for city council or mayor? We need some Republicans around here.

Hawes: Longshot in this town, but you might see me on the 2025 ballot.

Q: Is taxpayer support to the tune of $200 million for what is clearly a private enterprise the best use of our bonding capacity and financial resources in this tenuous economic time? As you may be a possible future Republican mayor of my city I'm curious as to whether you consider this a proper role for government.

Hawes: The $200 million the city would provide comes in the form of a bond, which earns interest, earning the city even more than their initial investment. No new taxes are created, and the economic and cultural impact to the city would be significant, to say the least.

Q: Worst part about being a tall guy?

Hawes: Airplanes. And hotel beds.

Q: If you could block one shot against one guy, who would that be?

Hawes: Kevin Durant.