Atlanta Hawks: NBA draft live blog (Update: Hawks select Oakland U. center Keith Benson)
The Hawks are not on the verge of being sold. Josh Smith has not been traded yet, unless Rick Sund made a deal right before I just saw him get some chicken here in the team’s offices.
This is the place to talk about these things and any other developments throughout the night.
Oh, yeah, there’s also the draft. The Hawks have the No. 48 pick.
UPDATE: The Hawks selected Oakland (Mich.) University center Keith Benson.
Here’s his NBADraft.net profile. DraftExpress has an interview with Benson.
Below are some excerpts from Benson’s teleconference with reporters. I’ll update the blog after Sund comes out to talk.
UPDATE II:
- Sund said the Hawks explored trading into the first round but didn’t want to get into specifics about those discussions, including the reports about Smith and the Timberwolves.
- Hawks assistant GM Dave Pendergraft said the team had Benson rated as early second round. He said there wasn’t much temptation to draft Josh Selby because several other players who were available were rated above Selby and those players also better fit the team’s needs.
- Pendergraft said Benson’s strengths include his athleticism, shot-blocking ability and scoring touch. His weaknesses are his strength, though Pendergraft said Benson is “wiry strong” and could put on some more weight. “I don’t think he will ever be 250 or 260 but he could be 235 or maybe a little bit more,” Pendergraft said. “The trend in the league is is more long, wiry athletic types.”
- Pendergraft said he’s not concerned with the level of competition Benson faced because Oakland played a tough non-conference schedule. “It’s not like he’s just going to be overwhelmed,” Pendergraft said.
- Hawks coach Larry Drew said Benson can play power forward and center.
KEITH BENSON
(questions about strength)
“I’ve been out in Vegas working out with the weight trainer there and getting stronger. I’ve put on about five pounds since the Chicago event. I’ve been working out three times a week, working every day to get stronger.”
(potential to add weight)
“I think I have the frame to put on a lot of weight. My game will really increase once I put on that weight and some strength. I think I can put on 20 or more pounds.”
(what he knows about the Hawks, why he thinks he’s a good fit and which Hawks does he look forward to playing with)
“I’m looking forward to playing with Al Horford. He’s developed into the really good ‘bigs’ in this league. I like watching Joe Johnson. They are an athletic team and I think I can contribute to that. They have some youth and like to get up and down. I watched them a lot this year.”
(how much did he weight when he got to Oakland, and what does he weigh now)
“I was 190 when got to Oakland, and 6-9. I grew a couple inches. And I’m about 224 now.”
Michael Cunningham, Hawks beat
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967 comments Add your comment
Najeh Davenpoop
June 23rd, 2011
11:39 pm
Keith Benson, Magnum Rolle, and Solomon Jones all look to me like the exact same player.
With that being said, it’s not like there’s anyone else at that spot to get excited about. I suppose Josh Selby might recapture some of the magic that made him one of the top 10 players in his high school class, and maybe some combo guard like E’Twaun Moore might become a player in the league, but Benson is as good a pick as any at this spot.
To be honest, if there’s any second round pick I wouldn’t have minded seeing the Hawks sell for $3 million it’s this one.
Luke Cage
June 23rd, 2011
11:40 pm
7′4 wingspan, add 20lbs, defend the paint, rebound
JoJo the Godfather
June 23rd, 2011
11:41 pm
Rolle is not a center, Benson is. Now go get Lighty!!!
SteveW
June 23rd, 2011
11:41 pm
Tech fan – The games against WVU, UT, and MSU are what i wanted to see.
Thanks. The kid can be a player. We needed some frontcourt help
Najeh Davenpoop
June 23rd, 2011
11:41 pm
“I got more comfortable with increased playing time,” said Benson.
Hmm… where have we heard that before?
Good luck with that Keith.
Grandmaster JeJe
June 23rd, 2011
11:42 pm
We just drafted a 6″11 player who weighs less than Marvin Williams
FIRE SUND. WE NEEDED TRAVIS
Get'em Got'em
June 23rd, 2011
11:42 pm
Najeh Davenpoop, man whatever, Josh Smith commercial was funny. and Kevin Love can suck it…yours I assume.
Section 303
June 23rd, 2011
11:42 pm
Najeh, I think you’re just saying that because you’ve never seen Benson play. He’s good. Again, too bad no Summer League. I think Benson would have done well.
iCharlieBoy
June 23rd, 2011
11:43 pm
The only big decisions involving Benson will be what kind of ties will he wear with his suits on the end of the bench. This guy is horrible. The Hawks front office is the worst in pro sports.
Wabe
June 23rd, 2011
11:43 pm
Everything you guys say sounds good and all.
But what you guys are echoing is, with time and *development*, this kid *could be* mentioned in the same breath as a Marcus Camby.
But, the Hawks developmental team is currently on vacation, and have been for the past decade, so good luck with the development kid, because you’ll be on your own.
Jerry West
June 23rd, 2011
11:43 pm
why not Selby, huh Sund, WHY?!
hawks_4_life
June 23rd, 2011
11:44 pm
NO HAWKS SALE
NO SMITH TRADE
ZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZ
Grandmaster JeJe
June 23rd, 2011
11:47 pm
CAN WE PLEASE GET A TRUE 7 FOOTER ON THIS TEAM? ENUFF OF THESE DAMN LANKY 6″11 PLAYERS
JOSH SMITH FOR 3!
June 23rd, 2011
11:47 pm
Not a bad video. Benson has a weird “stutter-shot” where he pauses for a second during a shot before releasing the ball. He does it every time, so that could be taken advantage of. He seems to have a great nose for the ball: he just seems to always know where it is. Oh, and he has a post game and a decent range on his jumper.
Bulk this guy up, and he could be a winner.
(And get a real coach!)
Najeh Davenpoop
June 23rd, 2011
11:48 pm
I wouldn’t have minded seeing the Hawks draft “Chukwudiebere Maduabum” just so we could see Sund try to say his name.
Fire Sund Please
June 23rd, 2011
11:48 pm
17-10 guy that avg over 3 bpg for the past 2 years..
Jawbreaker
June 23rd, 2011
11:48 pm
Well we needed a Center and we got one.
Fire Sund Please
June 23rd, 2011
11:49 pm
Gi get Scotty Hopson man…
Najeh Davenpoop
June 23rd, 2011
11:49 pm
“Najeh Davenpoop, man whatever, Josh Smith commercial was funny. and Kevin Love can suck it…yours I assume.”
No he can’t.
Hatmatbbat10
June 23rd, 2011
11:49 pm
Wow, everyone is hating on Benson already. We may have a bad front office…but we also have a few pretty bad fans for not even giving the kid a chance to play or practice! I’ve never seen him play…but probably neither have most of you dissing on him. There’s not much else to do with the 48th pick in a weak draft.
Grandmaster JeJe
June 23rd, 2011
11:49 pm
WELL LIKE I SAID, SUND IS DONE TRADING FOR 2 YEARS (HE’LL BE GONE BY THEN)
PLUS THERE WILL BE A LOCKOUT
WHAT A DEPRESSING TIME TO BE A HAWKS FAN
YOUR OWNERS ARE:
1) SUCK
2) BROKE
3) ARROGANT
YOUR GM:
1) SUCKS
2) IS ARROGANT
3) REFUSES TO TRADE A CORE PLAYER
WE WILL NEVER COMPETE
SMDH
FIRE SUND
FIRE LD
FIRE ASG
FIRE WOODY
FIRE STOTTS
FIRE KRUGER
FIRE WEISS
FIRE WILKINS
GT Alum
June 23rd, 2011
11:50 pm
Section 303 -
Quite frankly, I’ve seen enough summer league wonders that can’t do anything in a real NBA game that I don’t put much stock in summer league anyway. It would’ve been some extra experience for him, but in summer league he would’ve been playing against a bunch of guys that are as undersized as he is and a bunch of guys that will barely see court time in the NBA because they’ll be at the end of the bench or in D-league.
Najeh Davenpoop
June 23rd, 2011
11:51 pm
“Najeh, I think you’re just saying that because you’ve never seen Benson play. He’s good. ”
I’ve seen the Youtube video of him that superiorblogman and Grandad have posted about a thousand times on here since the season ended. I’m not trying to hate on him or say he’s a bad player, but there’s a reason he’s getting drafted in the second half of the second round. Dude weighs the same as Travis Leslie and he’s 7 inches taller than him. Maybe he turns out to be a good player but the Hawks already have two other guys on the team who are the same height, same build, and play the same position. I’m just not holding my breath, that’s all.
I hope David Lighty goes undrafted.
Grandmaster JeJe
June 23rd, 2011
11:52 pm
DRAFT PICKS FOR THIS TEAM ARE WORTHLESS. HAWKS COACHING DOES NOT DEVELOP ROOKIES OR PLAYERS
CONTRARY TO WHAT NBA GENIUS RICK SUND SAYS, NO ONE ON THIS TEAM HAS EVER OVER-ACHIEVED OR IMPROVED ON A YEARLY BASIS
HORFORD SUBSTITUTED TOUGHNESS FOR A JUMPSHOT
SMOOVE SUBSTITUTED DUNKING AND FREE THROW SHOOTING FOR JUMPSHOTS
FIRE LD
BigTimeTECHFan
June 23rd, 2011
11:55 pm
he killed Cole Aldrich (sp?) of Kansas when he was 1st team all-american, Kansas had all big dudes 3 1st round pick and I think Benson was a Soph and the best player on the court.
Grandad
June 23rd, 2011
11:57 pm
Don’t bash this kid,
had he played for a bigger school,
he would have been a lottery pick.
[last year]
I’ve watched film on this kid;
he has skill on offense, and length on def.
He has very good footwork in the post.
A new measurement that has not recieved alot of pub:
“Max Reach”
which combines hgt (in shoes), wingspan, standing reach, & max vertical.
Kito Benson is ranked 8th since the yr 2000.
List:
*Tyrus Thomas 147.5
*Javale McGee 147
*Dwight Howard 147
*Greg Oden 146
*Hakim Warrick 146
*Josh Smith 146
*Derrick Favors 145.5
**{Keith Benson} 145.5
This stat is supposed to measure
a player’s potential ability to defend the rim.
K.Benson is actually tied for 7th;
and I have no idea how to calculate the score.
gcs
June 23rd, 2011
11:57 pm
As much as I HATE the Atlanta Spirit right now, I have to give them credit: This is an AWFUL year to trade up and what they got at the spot they were picking was pretty darn good.
If this guy pans out at center, Horford can move to his natural forward spot and turn into an All-World player.
.
Rufus1
June 23rd, 2011
11:57 pm
Last Year…
People begged the Hawks to draft Hassn Whiteside(6′11 210-220lb) or Jarvus Vernardo(6′9 210-220lb)..This year we draft that player and people are still MAD….WOW, what do you people want?
Najeh Davenpoop
June 24th, 2011
12:00 am
From NBADraft.net:
Keith Benson is a terrific rebounder and shot-blocker, but there isn’t much room in the NBA for centers who weigh less than 220 pounds. He has the reach (7-4 wingspan) and the talent to be a pro center, but he’s almost the anti-Kenneth Faried in terms of his energy and tenacity.
Ole Hawk's Fan
June 24th, 2011
12:01 am
Did the Hawks draft Kent Benson?
Luke Cage
June 24th, 2011
12:03 am
Rufus1,
These guys just live to bash, no matter who the Hawks pick at any spot in the draft the majority will bash, I say sit back and wait, he could be a bust, could be serviceable, could be a star but ya never know, but why waste time bashing……Hell Kyrie Irving isn’t worthy of the 1st pick IMO lol.
nash
June 24th, 2011
12:03 am
well Mr Benson welcome to the hate fest.
aytunstopable
June 24th, 2011
12:04 am
Well it wasn’t bad pick. This may sound bad but ummm I would have been pissed if they drafted a foriegn player. Because last 3 years 2nd round pick have been foriegn players. Two never play a single game here for them and the one that did, Pape Sy, he didn’t show up till the end of the damn year after being in the D-League all year.
Could have been much worse. The pick didn’t get my hopes up. because honestly not havin a first round pick pissed me off so bad nothing they could do now would change that.
Also quite frankly they need to keep Josh because no one in the league is going to be able to give them any or any player that can match Josh Smith’s worth. Inconsistent as he was and bad shot selection. he was still much better than a hell of alot of players in the NBA
Michael Cunningham
June 24th, 2011
12:04 am
blog updates with Keith Benson quotes. Rick Sund has yet to address reporters.
iCharlieBoy
June 24th, 2011
12:05 am
Now we can trade Josh Smith or Al Horford.
Grandad
June 24th, 2011
12:06 am
Najeh
I don’t think he can help…next year…gotta gain wgt.
I’ve watched more than YouTube film on the kid.
I do not like to watch highlite video.
I much prefer W/O vid.
However @ 48…what can we expect.
I prefer KB to Chu Chu Mandubaum
I was really pullin’ fer Charles Jenkins.
Plus, I would rather put Benson on the floor right now, than Marv.
BigTimeTECHFan
June 24th, 2011
12:08 am
I think if you get a center with the 48th pick who “has the talent to be an NBA center” that’s pretty good pick, it’s not like your going to get a Dwight Howard with the 48th pick.
Hawks need a center, got one. good pick
Najeh Davenpoop
June 24th, 2011
12:09 am
““I’m looking forward to playing with Al Horford. He’s developed into the really good ‘bigs’ in this league. I like watching Joe Johnson. They are an athletic team and I think I can contribute to that. They have some youth and like to get up and down. I watched them a lot this year.””
Living in Michigan, the only Hawks games Keith Benson could have watched would have been the nationally televised ones, where the Hawks got outscored by a combined 5000 points (numbers approximate).
N.D.T.K.A.
June 24th, 2011
12:10 am
At least Benson is not a jump shooter and plays “in the paint” even though he weighs a lot less than Joe Johnson. He probably weighs less than Hinrich, too. LOL….
Najeh Davenpoop
June 24th, 2011
12:11 am
“I would rather put Benson on the floor right now, than Marv.”
I’d rather put Dominique Wilkins on the floor right now than Marv. That isn’t saying much.
Good luck Keith Benson. Hopefully the Hawks actually let you play.
You people suck
June 24th, 2011
12:12 am
No matter who the Hawks selects you’re going to be haters. Go back to your minimum wage job and quit trying to be a gm. On another note, here’s what Chad Ford had to say about Keith Benson:
Chad Ford, I challenge you to:
Name one player in America who accomplished ALL of the following in the past year:
Named Player of the Year in his conference for the SECOND Year in a row
Named Player of the Year AND Defensive Player of the Year this year
Won his regular season conference
Won his regular season tournament
Named Tournament MVP
Keith Benson accomplished all of the above THIS YEAR. As Clark Kellogg said, you have to play your schedule. So, don’t speak of what conference he is in. He played his schedule. I challenge you to identify any player in the draft who played his schedule like Keith Benson.
They said that he couldn’t play without Johnathan Jones, a pass first point guard. He led Oakland University out of obscurity, even with a shoot first point guard. He didn’t even know who was on his team from game to game.
In my opinion, he is going to be a Kevin Durant type player who can transform a team the way he transformed Oakland University. He re-wrote the record books.
Ryan
June 24th, 2011
12:13 am
All of you guys that are pissed….wth did you want with the 18th pick in the 2nd round? The second coming of Shaq? You guys are dumb.
ANT BANKS
June 24th, 2011
12:19 am
what’s goin’ to be the diff with this guy over solomon jones?
ANT BANKS
June 24th, 2011
12:21 am
the hawks coachin’ staff don’t have a penchant for developin’ players. oakland coaches had to use him. the hawks have proven that they don’t have to use any players that they draft. lol.
Najeh Davenpoop
June 24th, 2011
12:22 am
Yahoo had Benson ranked #43 among all its prospects. The only guy on their list who was ranked higher than Benson and went undrafted was Brazilian center Lucas Noguiera (whose name was mentioned by a few people on this blog in the weeks leading up to the draft).
Rufus1
June 24th, 2011
12:27 am
20 pounds…
If Benson was 20lbs heavier he wouldn’t have fallen to 48th…
Someone please tell me who was the last player 6′11, 240lb with a 7′4 wingspan averaging 17pts, 10rbs and 3 blocks who can finish with either hand to fall to the 2nd round…..THEY DON”T!!!! THEY ARE CALLED LOTTERY PICKS.
The player we drafted is 20lbs away from being the steal of the draft…..GO HAWKS.
Buddy Grizzard
June 24th, 2011
12:29 am
“he’s almost the anti-Kenneth Faried in terms of his energy and tenacity.”
LOL we can put him in with Marvin and Al and have an All-Passive front court.
moboman
June 24th, 2011
12:30 am
Solomon Jones had no offensive skills at all. No comparison.
Hoops
June 24th, 2011
12:34 am
Some of you guys are funny. What do you expect with the 48th pick? Keith Benson is a steal @ 48. We need bigs. We got the best one available.
JayD
June 24th, 2011
12:36 am
Atlanta sports “fans” are a trip – always want somebody……………else!