Spencer Hawes: A Candid Conversation on the Highs and Lows of Life in the NBA, and Life After Basketball
- Greg Inglin
- Sep 24
- 2 min read
Dive into the world of former NBA pro Spencer Hawes as he sits down with Greg Inglin to talk Huskies basketball pride, Seattle basketball brotherhood, the emotional departure of the Sonics, how he handled money and pressure during his NBA career, and the transformative power of mentorship. Spencer shares candid stories about NBA trades, setbacks, confidence, and life after basketball - including current business ventures and community contributions in the Pacific Northwest. He also looks forward to the hopeful Sonics return to Seattle.
If you’re curious about the highs and the lows of life int he NBA, the impact of trades on athletes, or how players transition beyond their playing days, this episode pulls back the curtain. Spencer’s honesty about regrets, lessons learned, and the importance of giving back to the next generation will resonate with sports fans, parents, and dreamers alike.
What You Can Expect from This Episode:
- Stories of basketball heritage, community, and mentorship in the Pacific Northwest
- Behind-the-scenes look at the business and human experience of NBA trades and career transitions
- Personal insights on resilience, regret, and rediscovering passion after the game
- The importance of paying it forward and building community off the court
Guest Resources:
Spencer on IG: https://www.instagram.com/spenceneedle
Spencer on Twitter/X: https://twitter.com/spencewuah?
About My Guest: Spencer Hawes is a former NBA center and proud Seattle native who spent ten seasons in the league, playing for teams including the Sacramento Kings, Philadelphia 76ers, Cleveland Cavaliers, Los Angeles Clippers, Charlotte Hornets, and Milwaukee Bucks. A product of a multi-generational University of Washington Huskies family, Spencer is deeply rooted in the Pacific Northwest basketball community. Now retired from professional basketball, he’s dedicated to mentoring young players, supporting local camps, and pursuing ventures in real estate development and the wine industry - all while continuing to champion the Seattle sports scene and advocate for the NBA’s return to his hometown.
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Want to skip to the good part? Here’s this episode’s segments:
00:00 Huskies Heritage and Family Legacy
03:54 The Basketball Brotherhood of the Pacific Northwest
07:06 Reflections on the Sonics' Departure
09:52 The Journey to the NBA: High School to College
12:57 Navigating Early Career Challenges
15:50 The Impact of NIL and Financial Management
18:58 Mentorship and Transitioning to Professional Basketball
22:07 Building Confidence in the NBA
27:26 Reflecting on a Decade in the NBA
30:20 The Impact of Trades on a Player's Career
35:45 Navigating Life After Basketball
39:39 Lessons Learned and Regrets
41:43 Engaging with the Next Generation
47:04 Current Ventures and Future Aspirations
50:10 The Reality of Being an NBA Player
