Keith Benson to play in Italy during lockout

[HMFFL]

Keith Benson, the Hawks’ second-round draft pick in June, has signed to to play for Sassari in the top Italian league.

Benson’s mother, Janice Hale, said Benson’s contract includes an opt-out clause that would allow him to return to Atlanta if/when the NBA lockout ends.

“Keith feels that having an opportunity to play professionally during the lockout will enable him to maintain his conditioning and prepare him for the Atlanta Hawks training camp when the lockout ends,” Hale wrote in an e-mail. “He has received numerous offers to play in Europe and Asia. In fact, there were offers that were close to double the offer he accepted. Many of the teams that offered him wanted to build their teams around him as the starting center and would not provide the opt out clause. He agreed to play for Sassari because they were willing to include the opt out clause in his contract.”

I can’t see any downside to this decision for Benson. Assuming he gets some decent playing time, he will get better competition in what is among Europe’s top-rated leagues than anywhere in the States. If/when the lockout ends, he can return to the Hawks and continue his development. http://blogs.ajc.com/hawks/2011/08/19/a ... -to-italy/

[Ruhiel]

Just seen this posted. We're relying on him big to replace Marvin in starting lineup imo

What do they want Smith at?

Hawks wanted Benson at 230 - 240 and






he's at 233.

[Hawk4Playoffs]

Benson is a center. Marvin is a SF...

[Ruhiel]

Benson is a center. Marvin is a SF...

Hawks shake up lineup for Game 4 vs. Bulls: http://www.chicagobreakingsports.com/sp ... 4512.story

Atlanta Hawks: ‘Big’ lineup could end up as the regular lineup: http://blogs.ajc.com/hawks/2011/01/04/a ... ar-lineup/

"The rebounding changes," coach Tom Thibodeau said. "We have to make sure we're blocking out and being aggressive."

[MaceCase]

Extremely doubtful that the Hawks are relying on a second round project big to come in and start for them in his rookie year. I'd lay that fantasy to rest until this guy can prove he can actually play at the NBA level.

[Ruhiel]

Extremely doubtful that the Hawks are relying on a second round project big to come in and start for them in his rookie year. I'd lay that fantasy to rest until this guy can prove he can actually play at the NBA level.

Still waiting on Marvin Williams to do this.

[MaceCase]

Marvin has proven he's at the minimum a rotation player in the NBA, something Montiejunas, Malcolm Thomas, Thabeet, Benson, Rolle or whoever the **** other prospect you are enamored with hasn't yet managed to do. So you might want to pick up a stat book or check out a YouTube to end your wait while it might be 2014 before you know if those other guys are worth a damn.

[Ruhiel]

Marvin has proven he's at the minimum a rotation player in the NBA, something Montiejunas, Malcolm Thomas, Thabeet, Benson, Rolle or whoever the **** other prospect you are enamored with hasn't yet managed to do. So you might want to pick up a stat book or check out a YouTube to end your wait while it might be 2014 before you know if those other guys are worth a damn.

Benson, and Magnum Wrap are on this unbalanced roster. Hopefully Jamal Crawford isn't next year and Marvin will take his spot off the bench.

2014?? And when will the Hawks win 1 single Eastern Conference Finals Game oh great Nostradamus?

Before or after {insert 2012 #1 pick} retires?

[evildallas]

Benson is a project C. Not every C needs carry a lot of weight. If he can develop a strong lower body and protect the rim as a help defender then there is room in the league for him. Not that many offensively gifted Centers in the league right now anyway.

The Hawks aren't expected their 2nd round pick to beat out Marvin Williams. Had we picked Kyle Singler I'd think it was a possibility but he went in the early 2nd. It's sad that Marvin disappears to the point that 2nd rounder could conceivably beat him out, but that's the way he's played. If we had kept Damion James instead of flipping him to New Jersey, I think most people would have expected him to take Marvin's spot last year. Sad.

Finally, no downside on Keith going to Italy because he got an out clause to return. He'll get some run and make some cash and then if we have a season he can come back.

[MaceCase]

Do you comprehend much? Marvin has alternated between 6th man, fringe starter, solid starter, plus starter to 7/8th man in this league on a perennial playoff team no less.

Fact is while you are "waiting" he's already proven that he is an NBA caliber player whereas these washouts such as Thabeet, Hill and Rolle that you are creaming over haven't broken into a steady NBA rotation yet and Montezuma, Benson & Hedges and X are unknown entities.

And I'm fully aware of who is on the roster but that doesn't mean they are even guaranteed playing time yet alone the starting positions that YOU are projecting them into but have the nerve to call me Nostradamus. What, are YOUR predictive powers of determining a player's future success based on their combine numbers, out of context quotes and limited sample sizes beyond reproach?

Drop this DeVry institute version of Daryl Morey schtick already, it ran it's course.

[Superiorblogman]

Yeah, stat guy is kinda annoying. I think Benson can beat out Marvin though, but we should not be counting on either one of them to be honest. Marvin should be trade bait and Benson should be helped and allowed to be developed.

[MaceCase]

Benson is a project C. Not every C needs carry a lot of weight. If he can develop a strong lower body and protect the rim as a help defender then there is room in the league for him. Not that many offensively gifted Centers in the league right now anyway.

The Hawks aren't expected their 2nd round pick to beat out Marvin Williams. Had we picked Kyle Singler I'd think it was a possibility but he went in the early 2nd. It's sad that Marvin disappears to the point that 2nd rounder could conceivably beat him out, but that's the way he's played. If we had kept Damion James instead of flipping him to New Jersey, I think most people would have expected him to take Marvin's spot last year. Sad.

Finally, no downside on Keith going to Italy because he got an out clause to return. He'll get some run and make some cash and then if we have a season he can come back.

We should also keep in mind that due to the lockout we may only be looking at 1 more year of Josh. I say this because we should remember that the Damion James trade for Jordan and then picking Pape was done with the idea that Joe was a FA and Jamal only had one year remaining leaving a bigger longterm hole at SG than SF. Sund's gameplan seems pretty clear now, we did pick up a PF and lanky C afterall.

[Hawk4Playoffs]

Do you comprehend much? Marvin has alternated between 6th man, fringe starter, solid starter, plus starter to 7/8th man in this league on a perennial playoff team no less.

Fact is while you are "waiting" he's already proven that he is an NBA caliber player whereas these washouts such as Thabeet, Hill and Rolle that you are creaming over haven't broken into a steady NBA rotation yet and Montezuma, Benson & Hedges and X are unknown entities.

And I'm fully aware of who is on the roster but that doesn't mean they are even guaranteed playing time yet alone the starting positions that YOU are projecting them into but have the nerve to call me Nostradamus. What, are YOUR predictive powers of determining a player's future success based on their combine numbers, out of context quotes and limited sample sizes beyond reproach?

Drop this DeVry institute version of Daryl Morey schtick already, it ran it's course.

+1

[Ruhiel]

Yeah, stat guy is kinda annoying. I think Benson can beat out Marvin though, but we should not be counting on either one of them to be honest. Marvin should be trade bait and Benson should be helped and allowed to be developed.

Pardon me for assuming Hawks were in win now mode. Perhaps Benson will develop just like Teague did.

Do you comprehend much?
Fact is while you are "waiting" he's already proven that he is an NBA caliber player whereas these washouts such as Thabeet, Hill and Rolle that you are creaming over haven't broken into a steady NBA rotation yet and Montezuma, Benson & Hedges and X are unknown entities.

I merely commended Benson on his ability to put on weight. If you think Marvin Williams as a stretch forward is working... I dont know what to tell you :/

As for unknown entity? Do you want a proven entity or a prestigious entity? Really ask yourself that.
What exactly is a Proven entity... a college career didn't tell scouts Thabbet was a limited offense big man who scores off of dunks, tip ins and assists?

How about Hawks get a well scouted entity for once??
All you want is prestige. The Prestige of Marvin Williams. The Prestige of Marvin Williams.

Pau Gasol a 7'1 20 year old rookie power forward? What a mismatch! Oh... but wait, where's the prestige in that?
Jason Terry, what? Antoine Walker is a Proven entity!
Josh Childress is a slick shooter. Went to Stanford, very prestigious.
6'7.25 6'11 wingspan
Who cares about a shorter more with same wingspan, a more compact guy with a more compact dribble and a more compact release? Who cares about drafting Andre Iguodala.
A 6'8 PF Duke University graduate who plays for Coach K! Prestige!

You don't see the intricacies of the actual game. Only the politics of superstars etc. If Gerald Wallace can make Lebron work for his points, afford single coverage and on the other end drive past him and put Lebron at risk for a foul. He gets the whistle.
Do you think Gerald Wallace cares about whether Horford is under the basket when he drives?

Do you think coach Spoelstra cares if Al Horford wants to create in the post?

How is single covering Al Horford in the post any worse than single covering Dwight Howard in the post.
Because he has Josh Smith waiting on the wing? And thats if, just if, he can beat his man off the dribble and make the pass.
Yeah keep waiting.

By the time their value is raised they won't be on the market for Al 'Solid' Horford.
Heck, you can call him 'D-Mo' or Aztec Lord Montezuma* if its easier to "comprehend", but people are debating whether or not Thabeet, Hill and the centerpiece of D-Mo is worth a proven entity in Horford who is nothing more than a solid passer in a 4-out system with limited ball handling and ability to score independently.

Come playoffs everyone has what makes him special, offensive awareness. Thats why Varejao at PF gives him fits, thats why Noah gives him fits, Chuck Hayes, Ryan Andersen, 6'7 Brandon Bass etc...

Horford is not a traditional halfcourt forward. And that is proven, known entity.

Smith- Malcolm Thomas mobile defense, slashing pivot forwards
Motiejunas, Hill stretch+pivot forward, Hill slashing pivot
Thabeet, Pachulia mobile defense, mobile defense

And I'm fully aware of who is on the roster but that doesn't mean they are even guaranteed playing time yet alone the starting positions that YOU are projecting them into but have the nerve to call me Nostradamus. What, are YOUR predictive powers of determining a player's future success based on their combine numbers, out of context quotes and limited sample sizes beyond reproach?.

Firstly, you better hope Benson is better than Marvin Williams or attendance could sink and its way more likely someone will be traded.

Secondly I dont know how aware you are of the roster but our best player is a college career passer who still cant shoot or get to the rim off the dribble and has yet to reach 900 free throw attempts in four.plays with Josh Smith. Our best player averages 10ppg 4 years in a row.
At forward he sucks in a championship context. Check the Eastern Conference landscape. What forward does he remind of.
Despite his flaws he is a prestigious center. Top 15 player.
Unfortunately Dwight Howard and Noah are also prestigious centers.

I dont recall you offering any fix to the offense

How is Thabeet's 1st year against Dwight and Garnett and Perkins a worse sample than this season where he basically missed a season??
How much sample size do you need to know Jordan Hill is capable of scoring 7ppg? How much do you need to know that Jason Collins is not a champion center?
Hope all you want that a Kendrick Perkins level center, like Hasheem Thabeet, becomes available I promise you Al Horford won't be any more more of a scorer next to those guys.

Lastly, what 'out of context quotes' are you referring to?

[Ruhiel]

In summary I agree with evildallas. Basketball is not rocket science. Anyone can see Marvin's length gets in the way of his coordination and ability to play basketball.

At sg he would not need to have advanced ball skills to score, he'd get touches if he can bully and draw whistles on guards.
If Marvin could conceivably be beaten out by Jason Collins you need to get off your high horse about two Zaza Pachulia-type role players in Thabeet, Jordan Hill. And especially need to stop with Motiejunas who is an obvious complement to Josh Smith.

What you're going to wait to see if these players can defend next to Budinger, Scola and Kevin Martin and then use it to judge him against what he would look like next to Josh Smith?

Hawks have ability to be one of the best defensive teams in the league yet refuse to sacrifice to take that step.
Pachulia-types who earn their money in the "post"-season or All-stars who "earn" their money in the "regular" season. (puns intended)

[MaceCase]

Great read, I'll be sure to go through it next time I'm at the DMV.

[Ruhiel]

In summary I agree with evildallas. Basketball is not rocket science. Anyone can see Marvin's length gets in the way of his coordination and ability to play basketball.

At sg he would not need to have advanced ball skills to score, he'd get touches if he can bully and draw whistles on guards.
If Marvin could conceivably be beaten out by Jason Collins you need to get off your high horse about two Zaza Pachulia-type role players in Thabeet, Jordan Hill. And especially need to stop with Motiejunas who is an obvious complement to Josh Smith.

What you're going to wait to see if these players can defend next to Budinger, Scola and Kevin Martin and then use it to judge him against what he would look like next to Josh Smith?

Hawks have ability to be one of the best defensive teams in the league yet refuse to sacrifice to take that step.
Pachulia-types who earn their money in the "post"-season or All-stars who "earn" their money in the "regular" season. (puns intended)

[brigadierjerry]

Ruhiel,

What type of player do you project Keith Benson to compare to or what player do you see him becoming?

[MaceCase]

Sorry, I was accused of being Nostradamus but then the DeVry Daryl Morey came in with his hypocrisy that basketball is not rocket science despite purely only using and relying on poorly read and further even worsely understood metrics to therefore declare two scrubs who can't even get time on non playoff teams will have great playoff success (lolololololol) and that a rookie is the greatest complement to a vet despite never even stepping foot at anything on the NBA level.

Yes, the greatest defensive team in NBA history will be created by having guys that foul the opponent more than they contribute positive stats but OH WAIT don't actually take into account all of these pretty stats Ruhiel found to create an alternate reality where these guys aren't scrubs, you can't judge them next to other players you have to judge them by their hypothetical Finals MVP season next to Josh Smith.

Dime store Daryl Morey, get off your high horse. Nobody in any fanbase gives a damn about your "computations" where you determine how good a player is by their measurement's (Because the difference between Amar'e and Al is a one inch difference in their wingspan ) and 5 minutes worth of stats plus a youtube clip yet you continue to spam us with your binary. Jason Collins is a 9 year NBA vet who has developed and is deployed in a specific niche for which he still manages to get employed for.

You quoted an article from January.....Yea Marv was really benched since before the AllStar break.
http://blogs.ajc.com/hawks/2011/01/04/a ... ar-lineup/

Then you quoted game 4 of the Bulls series.....Where Josh spent the majority of his minutes at PF due to foul trouble.
http://popcornmachine.net/cgi-bin/gamef ... ame=CHIATL

Yea you really showed Hawks4playoffs!!!!!!!!!!!! (Obligatory emoticon pat on the back )

**** let's summarize: Jason Collins, Mo Evans, Josh Powell and Damien Wilkins started and played over Jeff Teague and Jordan Crawford. Name the last rookie to come in and start for the Hawks right off the bat even? A 10 day signing off the street can get PT with the Hawks while more highly touted and drafted rooks rot on the bench but you think Benson is going to come in and replace a 5 year starter? Oh wait, I forget, we are just back to spamming the "Josh Smith is a 3/Big lineup" schtick that you built your first 1,000 posts off last April. Copy and paste away.

[Hawk4Playoffs]

How did he show me up again?