Atlanta Hawks: Draft pick Keith Benson to play in Italy during lockout
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.
(Not to mention that Sassari’s home is on the Mediterranean Island of Sardinia.)
Obviously the most important part of Benson’s development is adding muscle. Hale said the Hawks told Benson they want him at 235 pounds for training camp in October or 240 pounds should the lockout drag into January. She said Benson has been working with trainers at his alma mater, Oakland (Mich.) University, and is is currently at 233. Benson plans to hire a nutritionist and trainer once he gets to Italy.
Benson is the first Hawks player to officially confirm their intentions to play elsewhere during the lockout. Zaza was talking to a Turkish team but eventually nixed a deal. Magnum Rolle reportedly will play in South Korea, but no word on if his contract would contain an opt-out (and if he really got $973,000 to play in a 5,500-seat arena, kudos to him).
Michael Cunningham, Hawks beat
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91 comments Add your comment
NCHawksfan
August 19th, 2011
4:36 pm
Excited about new owner and look forward to seeing Benson Bulk up and be competitive.
Astro Joe
August 19th, 2011
4:38 pm
Good for Benson. I actually have a good feeling about him… no, not as a savior or future starter, but as a true rotation-type player who will provide quality depth early in his rookie season. Kind of strange to see his mother providing what seems like an agent’s statement… but whatever.
MC, is there a timeline associated with the new owner’s confirmation by the league?
Michael Cunningham
August 19th, 2011
4:42 pm
@AJ: “MC, is there a timeline associated with the new owner’s confirmation by the league?”
league says it will do due diligence on sale then vote but no timeline on when all of that will happen. Meruelo hopes by end of year.
doc
August 19th, 2011
4:48 pm
he’s baaack!
good to hear from you mc and have he blg unlocked for a couple of days.
enjoy the wine and pasta and you can become twin size in italy.
GT Alum
August 19th, 2011
4:53 pm
Only potential negative is if he gets injured, but for a young player like him, the potential benefits far outweigh the risks. This will give him an opportunity to work on his game, and hopefully he’ll come into camp as a better player because of it. Too bad European leagues tend to be less physical than the NBA. Would be nice for him to get more experience banging against big physical centers, since that is a weakness for this team.
Astro Joe
August 19th, 2011
4:59 pm
MC, thanks.
Ra'mon
August 19th, 2011
4:59 pm
MC, thanks for the updates!
MC, do you think it would be hard for the new owner to be approved with his ownership of casino (gambling)??
I sure hope he’s not trying to make a play on taking the Hawks Las Vegas with a casino and arena in one building (although it would make A LOT of money, lol).
Ra'mon
August 19th, 2011
5:01 pm
By the way, any one seen Josh riding shot gun with D12 in the new Adidas video? I wonder were they talking Magic or Hawks in the car (or possibly both going to LAL).
Mike is back
August 19th, 2011
5:11 pm
MC, what’s up…GOOD STUFF on Benson…I think it’s a great move for him.
I want to get excited about the new owner, but when you start readING some stuff…you kind of have to wait and see. He always comes in after someone has build something up…that’s been his MO…he must feel there is some real value in the Hawks franchise…because he is a screw guy.
After reading some his sound bites…you can under stand why he said…he’s got to earn the respect of the fan…LIKE I said…after you read so some stuff…heck, he Right.lol…heh heh
Dude likes to win…U GOTTA LIKE THAT!!!
Michael Cunningham
August 19th, 2011
5:17 pm
@Ra’mon: “MC, do you think it would be hard for the new owner to be approved with his ownership of casino (gambling)??”
i don’t think that will be a factor. the Maloofs (Kings) own a Vegas casino. Mereulo’s casino is in Reno.
drmaryb .(*_*).
August 19th, 2011
5:17 pm
Good riddance!! He wasn’t BEEFCAKE enough for this team anyway!!!
Ra'mon
August 19th, 2011
5:19 pm
@MC, thanks!
That’s good to know. Don’t know how Gangsta Stern run his business now, lol.
Ra'mon
August 19th, 2011
5:21 pm
Al Pacino, Danny Devito, Robert Deniro, and David Stern are going to get together and make a movie called “32 Cities in 32 Nights”. lol
Michael Cunningham
August 19th, 2011
5:23 pm
@Mike is back: “I want to get excited about the new owner, but when you start readING some stuff…you kind of have to wait and see. He always comes in after someone has build something up…that’s been his MO…he must feel there is some real value in the Hawks franchise…because he is a screw guy.”
well, he did start the La Pizza Loca chain in LA. man, i love that name. i’ve never had their pie but my LA peeps tell me it’s not bad.
i know fans like to hear owners talk passionately about the team but that’s never really impressed me. in Miami, i hardly ever heard Micky Arison talk about how he loves the Heat. instead he just put Pat Riley in charge, gives him the resources (which admittedly are much deeper than Meruelo’s) he needs and makes money. to me, that’s more important than good PR with fans.
that’s not to say Meruelo isn’t smart to recognize he has to repair the team’s relationship with the fan base. i’m just saying that only goes so far.
MannyT
August 19th, 2011
5:26 pm
Good for Benson. He gets to develop his skills and make some money while the owners are putting the squeeze on the players to account for ownership’s loss of fiscal control.
I got an email about the Hawks schedule earlier this week. I doubt is has any use in 2011. More attention toward other things until they return. I just hope it’s not some jacked up 1/2 season where there are few nights off. I don’t want the NBA schedule to look like MLB (6 games/week) for a mad dash that starts in Feb.
MannyT
August 19th, 2011
5:30 pm
I wonder if Meruelo ever got Ricky Martin to make a commercial for him…eatin’ La Pizza Loca
As low as the prices are, I can live w/this.
http://youtu.be/GzCOSF2G6Tk
Worldwide Clyde
August 19th, 2011
5:57 pm
*yawn* *yawn* yawn*
FIRE SUND
Section 303
August 19th, 2011
6:21 pm
Benson playing in Italy is a good move by him. Gives him a chance to improve his game and get some jack. He might as well get comfortable over there. No NBA season until September of 2012.
The 2011-2012 season is already lost, as far as I’m concerned. No way this lockout ends without costing the season.
Najeh Davenpoop
August 19th, 2011
6:28 pm
Good move for Benson. Hope Meruelo’s purchase goes through with no snags and he’s the next Arthur Blank.
BosnianBaller
August 19th, 2011
6:37 pm
How crappy are the teams in europe if they wanna build their teams around Keith Benson. At least he will hopefully get better over there and learn how to shoot a jumper b/c the game over there is perimeter oriented
Mike is back
August 19th, 2011
6:50 pm
Yeah, you said something key…bring in a capable person and let that individual make the basketball decisions. If Meruelo does that…I think he will succeed.
Mike is back
August 19th, 2011
7:03 pm
Najeh I hope you are right…Cuz We probably should kind of put a disclaimer on this one. lol
Buddy Grizzard
August 19th, 2011
8:37 pm
MC any word on Hawks hiring of Dennis Lindsey as GM to replace Rick Sund?
MOVE TO SEATTLE PLEASE !!!!!!
August 19th, 2011
9:10 pm
Let’s HOPE & PREY this owner, will MOVE this WORTHLESS franchise to SEATTLE, they are craving basketball, WHO CARES ABOUT this CRAP Nothing team ???
I have never gone to a game of this worthless team and never will, a complete WASTE of time & Money, I just hope this owner gets it and MOVES the team, Please MOVE, Atlanta does NOT need this worthless team or league !!!!
Seattle Here They Come !!!!!
Buddy Grizzard
August 19th, 2011
9:26 pm
Move to Seattle, please get up on current events before you post ignorance. Hawks are locked into their arena deal until like 2028. Not going anywhere.
SF,Josh Smith, SF, Malcolm Thomas PF, Donatas Motiejunas PF Jordan HIll, C Hasheem Thabeet, C Zaza Pachulia
August 20th, 2011
1:03 am
@BosnianBaller because the Hawks need more jumpshooting big men.
If his shooting opens up his ability to get FREE THROWS, He can help Joe and Josh control the game.
Maybe I was too harsh on Benson.
What say Hawks Nation of a [b]Theo Ratliff[/b] comparison? Draftexpress says he was drafted at 210.
SF,Josh Smith, SF, Malcolm Thomas PF, Donatas Motiejunas PF Jordan HIll, C Hasheem Thabeet, C Zaza Pachulia
August 20th, 2011
1:16 am
@MC
good interview/research!
How did you get in contact with Benson’s mother. Smith needs to be interviewed about weight probably before TRAINING CAMP.
It’s time to make a decision on him and Horford.
You either go with Horford’s passing and get a shooting forward for Smith and get a center
or you go with a (committed to ~235 lbs ala Carmelo Anthony) and move Al for a shooting forward and get a center.
No more of this ugly 3-guard lineups that wreck rebounding and defense.
If Hawks Nation wants to make that step out of mediocrity they have to play to the size and bully tactics of a Joakim Noah or the size of Dwight Howard and who knows maybe Bogut is in the playoffs, Heat even with Anthony could have beaten us last year.
Front Office
Fixing the roster does not mean gutting the team for a “superstar”
Time to make a decision. Yeah we need shooters but they need to rebound and bolster the frontcourt not overload the backcourt with guards who cant defend.
Al’s passing+ shooting S or Josh’s defense and shooting etc.
Here’s hoping they make the right one.
Phuch Le` Duch
August 20th, 2011
4:07 am
Pronounced – foosh le duke
As a relative newcomer to this blog, I don’t understand why it comes and goes. I usually hang out with the Dawgs and Bravos because their blogs run most every day. Oh well, European ball is more physical than the GT alum indicated above. Benson should learn some fundamentals overseas.
Now about Meruelo being one way or another, I like Cuban’s style, and Ted’s style when he ran this
town. Not to mention, Ted started out with no money and borrowing all the cash to purchase the Braves. At least that’s what my daddy said. Mr. Blank is really hands on too. It takes all kinds though.
How bout them Dawgs – I cannot wait to see the new Nike Pro Combat uniforms later today.
That’s about it as the blog will be gone when I come back. I’ll check back in September when the blog returns. As I mentioned before – I am mostly a blog-voyeur as I like to read the comments but rarely contribute.
giommaria
August 20th, 2011
4:33 am
The Dinamo Sassari (the club italian) reported that he can opt out only if he has a guaranteed NBA contract, not one for the NBA Development League or a camp attempt to earn one. Welcome in Sardinia Keith Benson, and good luck, we you will see in the Sassari.
doc
August 20th, 2011
10:44 am
phuch they are ready for your viewing at nike right now. not bad but traditionalists will hate them.
interest is waning in the nba and the hawks as they self destruct.
anyone tried to turn in their season ticket seats yet to the hawks to find out the reaction from them or considered their “offer”?
ant banks
August 20th, 2011
11:25 am
if i were a EUROLEAGUE owner/coach, i would not sign an nba player with an opt out clause. they are with your team for 2 months, help you get a first place and then leave and you potentially drop, precipitously, to the bottom…WTF?
also, i am not too sure if i were an nba player, that i would sign to play over there and risk losing my guaranteed nba contract. they can’t be that hard up for money…
you are playin’ against guys who are jealous of the nba players and sub standard quality…the potential to get hurt is greater…SEE GEORGETOWN CHINA BRAWL
giommaria
August 20th, 2011
11:46 am
@ant banks,
Benson can opt out only if he has a guaranteed NBA contract, not one for the NBA Development League or a camp attempt to earn one.
giommaria
August 20th, 2011
11:59 am
However, none in Sassari think that Benson is a phenomenon, even us fans are concerned.
Remarkable
August 20th, 2011
12:39 pm
Does anyone really care? If this were a blog about Pro-Football there would be 2000 posts. A day later and I’m number 37. Let the NBA stay locked out and we will all watch European Basketball for a while and then never miss the NBA at all. Stay locked out and see how the Atlanta fan base stays away. Repair it, you’ll have to rebuild it.
Grandad
August 20th, 2011
1:51 pm
Don’t forget … Mr Troll Man;
I know who you are … if you don’t leave;
you will be exposed …
Riddle me this:
” Svelte il II ”
note … need I say more ?
Grandad
August 20th, 2011
1:58 pm
( ~_*) I got my eye on you sonny !
ant banks
August 20th, 2011
2:09 pm
if the nba locks out the entire season, wont the WNBA be affected? i mean the revenue from the nba supports that “brand” of basketball…
A concerned fan..
August 20th, 2011
5:00 pm
MC, is there any progress in Labor Talks? The suspense is killing me!
doc
August 20th, 2011
5:33 pm
remarkable you counted heh heh
Worldwide Clyde
August 20th, 2011
9:49 pm
CBSsportsline ranked Joe Johnson 44 in their player rankings.
FIRE SUND
Slimjr
August 20th, 2011
10:26 pm
Has Mr Blank falcon team won anything yet,besides the conference a couple of times and hasnt won a playoff game in 7 years since MV7 left town in a hurry?
His shine is beginning to wane….He should have hired Lovie over that clown Mora!
Fire SUND and Larry simultaneously!
Slimjr
August 20th, 2011
10:30 pm
“As a relative newcomer to this blog, I don’t understand why it comes and goes. I usually hang out with the Dawgs and Bravos because their blogs run most every day”
@Phuch Le` Duch
Its so obvious! Maybe Jesse needs to come on down here and march again?
nelle
August 20th, 2011
11:03 pm
Yeah! This blog is very ghetto-fied with all the low life troll posters on here. No one wants to come here and dodge all the drive-by bullets.
Kids aren’t safe and can’t even play in their front yards.
Too bad the AJC doesn’t have a real NBA caliber blog, this is the worst pile of comments I ever read, most of it is not even NBA related topics.
Call, Jesse! And I’m Gone.
Slimjr
August 20th, 2011
11:20 pm
poor nelle another delusional Falcon fanatic..seek help immediately…
nelle
August 21st, 2011
12:01 am
Slimjr
not quite delusional, this blog is just hard to read with all that troll stuff here. It just seems creepy and weird to me.
I can’t do that falcon blog either, too intensely fanatical, racist and silly. No Sir, I’m more of a NBA girl myself. LOL, you’re funny though. Ha Ha.
Big Ray
August 21st, 2011
5:23 am
Benson to Italy for a spell, new owner needs more than goodwill, and the troll remains.
Back to Falcons Football….
SF,Josh Smith, SF, Malcolm Thomas PF, Donatas Motiejunas PF Jordan HIll, C Hasheem Thabeet, C Zaza Pachulia
August 21st, 2011
5:48 am
Horford didnt force Smith to the perimeter at SF. At SF he posts up more than ever. Josh forced himself to perimeter with his weight gain draining his slashing ability stamina and first step.
If Smith doesnt drop to 230 this team is through. There was a realgm debate on marketability of Hawks players.
In my mind there is no question who’s most marketable. @MC would it cause a rift to suggest to Smith he needs to become more svelte again.
His offensive awareness as far as situations etc. took a step forward but his conditioning was noticeably poorer than ever.
In the past he could keep up with Lebron,and score in transition. But now he plays the same tempo if not slower as a 250+ Lebron and with no where near the halfcourt skill.
I think its funny that of the very few things Smith does better than Lebron his willingness to go in the post is the one that gets criticized the most.
#MC gotta tell Smith to lose weight, work with somebody, anybody to take that next step
Grandad
August 21st, 2011
10:23 am
I’m still around … how can I post when there is no blog ?
But “troll-clown” you’ve been warned…………………….
I’m keepin’ my eye … (~_*) … on you !
Your Sonny Fluet’s boy, are you not ?
Grandad
August 21st, 2011
10:36 am
Hatter;
If it’s you … I’ll leave you alone ?
I just don’t think it’s you.
Only the real you,
would know how to communicate with me.
For the one & only {capital} ” T ” {+} {capital} ” S ” …
I hope all is well !
Missing Something?
August 21st, 2011
8:45 pm
What’s missing here? Oh yeah, meds. big time.
Big Ray
August 22nd, 2011
12:34 am
Countdown to shut down begins again…
EmirS.
August 22nd, 2011
1:07 am
Just shut it down. -.-
Grandad
August 22nd, 2011
1:21 am
You’re welcome.
Grandad
August 22nd, 2011
1:40 am
C’mon my Dawgs love sushi.
I still don’t think your the “Hat”.
He’s cool & intelligent + plus I would never have
had my good friend banned, even if I could.
He and I had too much fun.
Hat wasn’t a stalker … he was a worthy adversary
who gained my respect. Unlike this new fellow,
{T}+{S} had style & grace. [with a little salt]
note: but if you are – welcome home.
Grandad
August 22nd, 2011
2:24 am
‘ Truth Hurts ‘
” Soon I will expose them!!
And thats a promise!!
* -Done talkin about it- *
…Im begging you,
Please try me!! ”
By my count … you have already made 6 posts under the name:
‘ Truth Hurts ‘
5 under:
‘ voice of reason ‘
2 under:
‘ Grandad ‘
And 1 under:
‘ missing something ‘
all after stating;
* -Done talkin about it- *
~So~
You quit … I quit … simple !
” The greatest trick the devil ever pulled
was convincing the world he didn’t exist ”
- Verbal Kint – [aka] – Keyser Soze -
Grandad
August 22nd, 2011
2:29 am
” I believe in God, but I’m afraid of Keyser Soze ”
- Verbal Kint – aka – Keyser Soze -
” I believe in God ” – Grandad -
vava74
August 22nd, 2011
9:10 am
good grief…
doc
August 22nd, 2011
9:29 am
weeds do grow late in the summer if left unattended, such is life.
Najeh Davenpoop
August 22nd, 2011
10:46 am
FIRE WOODY
Astro Joe
August 22nd, 2011
12:58 pm
http://www.forbes.com/sites/mikeozanian/2011/08/10/meruelos-purchase-of-hawks-financed-by-sellers/
So is this a shrewd move by Meruelo, is he a poorly financed owner who needs help from the ASG and/or is the ASG just desperate to “dispose of” the Hawks and the arena?
doc
August 22nd, 2011
1:05 pm
wonder if ti will fly the other owners who vote it through. seems like they would like to be sure they get rid of the basg and this doesnt assure them of it.
drmaryb.(*_*).
August 22nd, 2011
2:34 pm
Rent To Own!
What’s Up Astro Joe Baby! Thanks for sharing that link! For sale By Owner with Owner Financing. In this financial market place creative financing appears to be the hot ticket!
We The People bail out the Banks that are Too BIG to fail. And here’s what we get – no revenue streams being circulated anywhere in this economy. Even buyers with AAA Credit can’t get approved for a mortgage.
Here’s my point: I agree with all your scenarios. Either Mr. Meruelo is one shrewd negotiator, or doesn’t want to tie up all his assets, or the ASKG are desperate to sign that quit claim deed – ASAP!
Either way, I think it should and will be approved.
Oh well! Back to The Rock Pile – Barney! (smile) (winks)
________________
What’s up doc? (winks)
doc
August 22nd, 2011
2:54 pm
dmb, i answered before i read the article because i was aware of the arrangement and it sounded out of the ordinary. the author of the report wasnt 100% it would fly even hedged it might not go down.
KevinM
August 22nd, 2011
2:57 pm
I can’t imagine the NBA would not approve of this sale…..it allows current ownership to gracefully bow out and eventually not be in the picture at all.
The news, whether coming from our entertainment reporter or just general news, is very quiet. I keep getting ticket reps calling me telling me it’s not too late to get behind the 2011-12 team on a nightly basis. I tell you, if this roster comes back as is next year, with or without JC1, I will have to watch from a distance as we show very little differences from a year ago.
Benson is yesterday’s Solomon Jones, and he’s a non-factor for next year for sure…most rookies will be for any team seriously contending….no SL, no camp competition….the players have no clue when play will begin, especially LeBron.
Astro Joe
August 22nd, 2011
3:58 pm
It almost feels like the ASG said something like “Look, we’ll sell you the team for $100 but you only need to pay us $60 now… we’ll essentially let you borrow the other $40. We just need to dispose of these properties immediately and we’re willing to do whatever is needed to make that happen”. Or, maybe they just offered Meruelo “no interest payments until 2018″ and he shrewdly took the “loan” from the entity offering the best loan… because when lenders compete…
Bottom line, it all feels kind of strange and leaves a bit of a cloud over who still has financial/funding influence over the team.
Chandler going deep..
August 22nd, 2011
4:16 pm
FIRE CONGRESS…LOOSERs
doc
August 22nd, 2011
4:45 pm
these basg guys dont know how to make a straight deal do they? i think the nba will pause before letting it go. the record according to your source aj is not too good for these kind of deals.
drmaryb (*_*)
August 22nd, 2011
5:06 pm
IT’s Going Down!
Astro Joe, KevinM and doc all great stuff! And, all possibilities. I think the hold up is the Stern man at the helm. what else do they have to do in a lock out except hand down FINES for tampering and making comments about the players?
what could be more pressing or urgent than approving a sale of a NBA Franchise, especially the Hawks and if it makes the ASKG disappear from the face of Atlanta?
Gitter Done!
Dept. Of Unintended Irony
August 22nd, 2011
5:52 pm
Chandler going deep..
August 22nd, 2011
4:16 pm
“FIRE CONGRESS…LOOSERs”
Who is the biggest “looser”?
The congressmen who only do what corporations want, or the peons like us who can’t spell loser.
Or, hey, maybe he meant that Congress “hangs loose”. Yeah, that’s the ticket.
doc
August 22nd, 2011
7:28 pm
well TS, old friend, what you see is what you get or you reap what you sow.
drmaryb.(*_*).
August 22nd, 2011
8:18 pm
Hedge Fund!
Hey doc, what did you mean when you said this:
“… the author of the report wasnt 100% it would fly even hedged it might not go down.”
___________________
Do you mean Hedge Funded like the boys on Wall Street do? Isn’t that when you put money down on a sure fire loser and when it loses – You Win? Hmmm ….
Those guys made billions from the Big Banks failure, because they knew the TARP Fund would show up just in the knick of time. What a bunch of crooks! LOL!
Maybe Mr. Meruelo is that type of guy? I wouldn’t be mad with him betting on the Hawks losing as long as he bails us out of the 2nd Round, the ECF and get us to the Big Dance!
This city, this town, these fans – We Deserve a Winner!
___________________
- drmaryb – The Entertainment Reporter
doc
August 22nd, 2011
9:06 pm
he suggested it might not be a done deal is what i meant by that statement and the guy writes for forbes.
drmaryb.(*_*).
August 22nd, 2011
9:31 pm
Hop on Board!
KevinM said this:
“I tell you, if this roster comes back as is next year, with or without JC1, I will have to watch from a distance as we show very little differences from a year ago.
Benson is yesterday’s Solomon Jones, and he’s a non-factor for next year for sure…most rookies will be for any team seriously contending….no SL, no camp competition….the players have no clue when play will begin, especially LeBron.”
___________________
Did you visit my current blog thread over at the Real GM, it’s jumping off the chain all last week. Ruhiel and myself had this exact same convo verbatum! OMG! Your comments are on point and is the general consensus amongs all of us over there.
None of us can’t take “4 More Years” of this exact same roster. Mr. Meruelo need to hit the ground running before the ink dries and shake this so called Core down!
Elite? Ok, yeah right! Mmm…Hhh…Mmm. Whatever. LOL
drmaryb.(*_*).
August 22nd, 2011
9:54 pm
Got It!
“he suggested it might not be a done deal is what i meant by that statement and the guy writes for forbes.” -doc-
__________________
Oh OK! One can only hope the ASKG just go somewhere, run and hide from the Arena and hot lights. Ground Hog Day was an awfully hard movie to watch!
It’s not good when your movie is famous for being a series of re-runs from Scene 1 – Take 1, 20 years later. I don’t even remember what the movie was about.
That’s what the ASKG & the Hawks have become.
Too bad, so sad, if this deal is nixed. Like KevinM, I’m no pyro-maniac myself. I can watch the Hawks burn from a distance, from my couch. LOL
SF,Josh Smith, SF, Malcolm Thomas PF, Donatas Motiejunas PF Jordan HIll, C Hasheem Thabeet, C Zaza Pachulia
August 22nd, 2011
10:27 pm
Malcolm Thomas – San Diego State
Like a poor man’s Jeremy Evans (second-rounder for Utah last year), Thomas impacts the game with above-the-rim plays thanks to long arms, quick jumping and good timing. His lack of skills probably kept him from getting drafted, but now he has time to work on his shot. Still, once he gets in a gym for a camp, or plays as a pro next year somewhere, NBA scouts will see how his specialized set of talents can fill a particular need for their team.
-NBA scout David Thorpe
5ppg, 12mpg for Malcolm at SF
http://i55.tinypic.com/2vufsd1.jpg
10 man rotation! F**k the Bulls, Magic, Celtics, Heat. It would be so Easy… Alex Meruelo please!
Kobayashi
August 23rd, 2011
3:32 am
Old granddad had it all wrong. Kobayashi was the real keyser Soze.
Big Ray
August 23rd, 2011
5:51 am
Give Benson a couple of dumb bells and a royal with cheese every day while he’s in Italy. Kid’ll be fine.
drmaryb.(*_*).
August 23rd, 2011
7:34 am
Credit Him!
To his credit Mr. Drew’s play off huddles when he was miked up did sound Doc Rivers-Esque. He was pushing the team to do intangible things like:
Play together, box out, rebound, run, defend and not so much X’s and O’s. He was telling Josh to play inside the post and defend. Also, the rotations were ok.
However, was it too little – too late? We still need an upgrade at head coach and supportive staff coaches. Our defense is sorely lacking at every turn and Jamal’s game disappears when he is asked to play PG. Give it to Teague!
drmaryb.(*_*).
August 23rd, 2011
9:34 am
Keep IT Real!
Blu Ray
(Clear Image)
Wassup Baby! I agree Kito Benson should get his “eat on” in Italy. Just don’t drink the water and remember his intestinal flora (environmentally protected bacteria lining of the gut) is conditioned to the filtrates of the old GA Chattahoochee drinking hole, shared with dumped local raw sewage. LOL!
I would be concerned if Kito can’t keep anything down.
Anyway, have you heard any news of the Hawks sale being approved? I surfed every where and all I see is that link Astro Joe shared yesterday re: the 60/40 deal totaling 300M. I was looking at yahoo sports for something from Adrian Warjonowski-sp or David Aldrige re that.
Do You, AJ and doc think that 60% cash is enough of a down payment with 40% financed? It looks like solid down payment to me anyways.
And like you, I have No opinions re: Vick, that is old news and he has moved on – whatever and good luck to him.
The Boss is 1 of 2 my favorite Hawks players, Josh being the most exciting of all. I would hate to see Al leave and would ONLY consider such a move for Dwight Howard – period, which I seriously doubt will ever happen. I just LOVE Al on our team. I look to the coach to put them in winning roles and maximize all that talent! So, Al leaving ONLY makes sense for a MVP Center, because as of now, HE is our only Center!
Like it or Love it – It is what it is! If you visit my blog thread at Real GM, consider my Poll Query:
WHAT WILL ALEX MERUELO CHANGE FIRST?
______________________
A Real GM
A Real Coach
A Real Center
A Real MVP
A Real Hawks Fan Game Crowd
My vote was A Real GM! That is where I think winning begins. What do you and others think? One thing about drmaryb? I’m gonna’ always keep it real! No silly talk.
(she winks)
________________
Aye Alex! Sign The Dotted Line. Hurr-up
Aye Stern! Get to work.
Astro Joe
August 23rd, 2011
9:45 am
I’m not sure that I have ever heard someone called a poor man’s version of a second rounder. Usually, the terms I see used in those instances are “undrafted free agent” or “scrub”.
doc
August 23rd, 2011
11:49 am
i dont want the basg around to screw things up no matter what it takes. they have lawyers that sue other lawyers taking on one of the best legal groups in the city and even have a couple of them in their group. they cant be trusted and flash bless his heart got it right on that one.
Chandler going deep..
August 23rd, 2011
12:54 pm
Dept. Of Unintended Irony
August 22nd, 2011
5:52 pm
Chandler going deep..
August 22nd, 2011
4:16 pm
“FIRE CONGRESS…LOOSERs”
Who is the biggest “looser”?
The congressmen who only do what corporations want, or the peons like us who can’t spell loser.
Hey Dept. you know what was meant Nimrod! Spelling it right or not Genius!
drmaryb .(*_*).
August 23rd, 2011
1:28 pm
MERUELO BABY!!!
You can’t bring Dwight here! He’s TOO BEEFY and waaay TOO MUCH MAN!!!
Big Ump
August 23rd, 2011
4:43 pm
Dr Mary B, Big Ray, Grandad, Doc, K Strickland, Astro Joe. I just saying hello and how everything going?
Grandad
August 23rd, 2011
4:47 pm
I’m tellin’ yawl he ain’t the ” Hatter ” !
This guy is a poor imitation … -&- … makes too many mistakes.
[..a mere caricature of the real {T}+{S}..]
Besides {T}+{S} knows that I didn’t turn him in.
~and – furthermore~
We [Hatter & myself] have a shared anathema.
Phillip Masters / aka / Grandad
Grandad
August 23rd, 2011
4:53 pm
Big Ump
Good to hear from you … Big Ump.
Has anyone heard from Ken Strickland lately ?
I hope all is well.
Chandler going deep..
August 23rd, 2011
5:58 pm
Grandad,
Ken S. has been hanging over in the D3 Falcon blogs with Big Ray spewing his incredible knowledge of the game..
Too bad he’s a falcon fan.. LOL
drmaryb.(*_*).
August 23rd, 2011
6:24 pm
Strike 3! You’re Out!
Big Ump! Wassup Baby?
Wow! It’s great to hear from you, how have you been?
I’m ready for those back stage passes and jam sessions any time – any place! LOL!
You excited about the new owner? Oh! And BTW ignore all the foolishness on here. I’ve got me a stalker. LOL!
You know … What can I say? (in the voice of JJ Evans).
Welcome back to the blog. Also:
Hop on Board and Follow DRMARYB @ Real GM.
My blog thread is the hottest thing going over there right now. I keeps it on & poppin’! LOL! Mmmwah!
drmaryb.(*_*).
August 23rd, 2011
6:36 pm
Link Up!
Big Ump! Here it is:
http://forums.realgm.com/boards/viewtopic.php?f=7&t=1129086&start=45
Dept. Of Unintended Irony
August 23rd, 2011
7:25 pm
Too bad Chandler doesn’t understand irony. It was not the misspelling itself, that I was calling attention to; but the fact of misspelling an intended insult.
Kinda makes it “loose” a little steam, don’tcha think?
Sautee
August 23rd, 2011
7:39 pm
Big Ump,
Good to see you back, man. I know you were as sad as I was to hear of Nick Ashford’s death yesterday. Man, the list of hits he wrote goes on and on.
Hope you are well, and it’s good to see you back here, as long as here lasts.
“Let’s Go Get Stoned” in honor of Nick. ‘Cause there “Ain’t Nothing Like The Real Thing”.
RIP, man.