Atlanta Hawks: Hawks waive Sy, Wanamaker, Rolle (Update: Benson also released)
The Hawks waived forward Magnum Rolle and guards Pape Sy and Brad Wanamaker today. More cuts are coming later today: The roster now stands at 16, one more than the maximum, and it’s possible Atlanta will carry the minimum 13 players for the regular season.
UPDATE: The Hawks waived center Keith Benson, their only draft pick in June. The team plans to carry 15 on the roster to start the season. There are four players on the roster with non-guaranteed deals: Ivan Johnson, Jannero Pargo, Donald Sloan, and Jerry Stackhouse.
The decisions on Rolle and Wanamaker were not unexpected but the Hawks gave up on Sy after investing in him as a long-term prospect. Coach Larry Drew said Sy’s inability to develop as a point guard played a part in the decision.
“We, the coaches and the management, came to an agreement that he’s been a little bit more effective off the ball than at the point,” Drew said. “With that and the acquisition of Willie Green and [having] a number of other guys that are veterans that can play two, he became expendable. We were hoping he would mature and develop but he just seemed more comfortable at that two-guard spot. With that, we made the decision to go in a different direction.”
Sy, a native of France, made his way to the NBA as a a rare unknown prospect–prominent Web sites that track numerous draft-eligible players had no file on Sy before Atlanta selected him in the second of the 2010 draft. Sy had paid his own way to work out for the Hawks, the only team to grant him an audience, and impressed Drew.
The Hawks paid about $125,000 to buy out Sy’s French contract last year and paid him $473,604 in salary in 2010-11. He played a total of 21 minutes for the Hawks last season and spent 23 games with Atlanta’s D-League affiliate.
Sy had a good training camp but Atlanta’s payroll is pushing against the luxury-tax line, leaving little room for carrying players who can’t help the team now. The Hawks added guards Green and Pargo during training camp.
“It was a really tough decision,” Drew said. “There were a lot of things we liked about Pape.”
When the Hawks drafted Benson, they said he was a long-term prospect because he needed to add bulk and strength. But Benson, like Sy, appears to be a victim of Atlanta’s focus on veterans at the expense of carrying prospects who need time to develop. Benson was released by a club team in Italy during the lockout.
Rolle signed with the Hawks near the end of last season and re-joined the team following a stint in South Korea. He came into camp out of shape after he said a right foot injury hampered him from maintaining his conditioning.
Wanamaker, a rookie free agent out of the University of Pittsburgh, struggled during last night’s exhibition victory against Charlotte.
Michael Cunningham, Hawks beat
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771 comments Add your comment
Slimjr
December 25th, 2011
10:14 pm
SlimBaby ate to many Ham sandwiches in the off season.. That boy is flat out FAT!!!!
STRETCH
December 25th, 2011
10:21 pm
“Part of it is changing the perception of us,” he said, referring to the owners. “How do you grow [revenue]? By getting the fair-weather fan [to] realize, one, we care; two, we are willing to spend money; and, three, look at our success.”
More B.S. from Gearon!
doc
December 25th, 2011
10:24 pm
big ray thought you were describing geezer ball. heh heh
the line up of pargo, stack, t mac, vlad and twin. ouch, vets, love it.
Big Ray
December 25th, 2011
10:24 pm
Gearon fails at all three phases that he mentions. You got a tough road to hoe, bro…
Big Ray
December 25th, 2011
10:28 pm
Doc,
What can be said?
doc
December 25th, 2011
10:31 pm
gearon is losing the committed fans not just the fair weather fans. geez, he really is about in touch as the fools in dc and he doesnt get it.
gearon also needs to get the rich buddies of his and their b*tts in the high roller seats instead of smoozing in the lounge when games start or break up that type of seating and allow equal access to the phillips. they are what is really embarrassing at the beginning of games. this elitist seating and dining in the arena is for the birds or he better do a better job of selling to his neighbors. maybe those are the fair weather folks he speaks of, his rich cronies or does he ever turn around to look behind his sideline seats? what a fool.
Slimjr
December 25th, 2011
10:32 pm
Gearon’s Hawks are 2-12 in the 2nd round last 3 seasons combined = .166 winning%!!!!!!!! The media and real basketball fans will not give you any kudo’s cause ya suck…..Plus your team played .500 ball almost the entire season except for the 1st 6 games(6 game winning streak) of the season! If GEARON’S HAKWS PLAYED IN THE WESTERN CONFERENCE LAST YEAR THEY WOULD HAVE BEEN A NINTH SEED!! LOL
MEMO TO GEARON:
You call that success Genius? It’s a good thing Daddy left you a pot worth 100’s of millions cause Sir you are living in another universe…lol
doc
December 25th, 2011
10:33 pm
oh i forgot, most of the money behind this organization is dc money.
are they changing the name to dc spirit?
Slimjr
December 25th, 2011
10:33 pm
Hawks^^^
Slimjr
December 25th, 2011
10:38 pm
Like Superior Blogman said in another blog more than once the Hawks did not improve,Orlando got worse by trading away their best perimeter defenders thus they could not shut down iso on the perimeter anymore…
Dont get it twisted Gearon shooting Blanks………
brigadierjerry
December 25th, 2011
10:38 pm
Bigray,
I kinda question how tough mentally Dwight is. I know Orlando is a decent sized market but imagine him in La or even NJ and the media horde with a dozen reporters on him everyday?I am not sure Dwight would be able to handle that. I have always said that you win with a big and or wing player and it has been proven.
Someone mentioned he thought this Hawks team would play like the Thunder but the Hawks team I actually see in a similar type of team is the Memphis grizzles. If you compare the type of players they have they are similar to the Hawks. Difference is Memphis blames very good defense and have two guys especially Randolph that will go after the boards
doc
December 25th, 2011
10:43 pm
i think someone already did the math for us but the only team the hawks had a better record than at the professional level was the thrashers. the braves and falcons have had much better records over the span gearon was quoted as saying his hawks were better than. geez when is he going to stop lying.
also, the idea of this property being off the market is funny as well. folks know it is for sale so it doesnt ned a big for sale sign out there and he is saying any legit offer wold be listened to. in real estate it is called a “pocket listing” all agents know about it, keep it in their pocket and feel free to bring it up when they dont have anything better to sell. the guy has a very long nose.
Slimjr
December 25th, 2011
10:44 pm
Next up THE CLIPPERS!!!!
THANKS BILLY KNIGHT AND MIKE WOODSON!!
Slimjr
December 25th, 2011
10:46 pm
READ GEARONS LIPS:
HE WANTS TO GTF OUTTA HERE…..
Slimjr
December 25th, 2011
10:49 pm
Hey Big Ray’ watch how DeAndre blocks shots tonight! Wish we had him!
Slimjr
December 25th, 2011
10:51 pm
Jordan with 2 blocks 3.5 mins….Sigh….
Slimjr
December 25th, 2011
10:54 pm
Good tosee the former Knick pt guard in his 1st HC job…Mark Jackson! Goodluck Sir!
Grandmaster JeJe
December 25th, 2011
10:55 pm
This team doesn’t have one leader, after 6 years of being together
Rufus1
December 25th, 2011
11:04 pm
The only chance to get D12 as a free agent…
1) If Teague becomes the player we hope.
2) Josh develops a consistent 16-23ft jumper.
3) Al become a solid low post threat.
4) The Hawks make it to the ECF without him.
If Al’s low post game improves he may be a better option than Lopez with a bad foot or Bynum with a bad knee.
LET US PRAY AL HAS DEVELOPED A COUNTER MOVE.
nelson
December 25th, 2011
11:20 pm
Al Horford got married last night with former miss universe Amelia Vega!
Bluee Steel
December 25th, 2011
11:52 pm
Slimjr, Big Ray.
Speaking of D12 guess if you have to give up a couple decent pieces hes worth it. I dont agree with all the talk about D12 would get eaten up by all these once and famous kings of the post. In some cases yea, in others no. Shaq, come on, Shaq was too big, too physical and to well trained to be denied by any center in the history of the game. But when you talk Olajuwon you are talking a different game. Howard kills him in the low post and Olajuwon takes him outside, on the wings, at the base line, top of the key etc… Hakeem was a finesse perfection. Zo? I think Zo and Howard break even maybe a slight edge Howard. Their games are a lot alike so you’d have a better battle. but the match up with Hakeem would have been 2 different styles. Just like in boxing Styles make the fight.
I remember when Shaq first faced Hakeem, man you talk about a schooling. Hakeem took Shaq so many places it was funny. Schooled? LOL it was an advance degree education ! Noting Shaq could do, But Olajuwon was the reigning champ and Shaq was just out of LSU.
Styles.
Tell you what, Ray, Slimjr, I think a good match for Howard would have been Moses Malone.Moses Malone AKA the Chairman of the Boards. Now there’s a lesson for Dwight. Moses would have taken Dwight to the promise land. Moses game was low post but with finesse and style and he held the post at 6′ 10″ 215lbs so I dont want to hear that ch!t from Big Al. D12 is low post but more physical that finesse or style. Moses could do both or either.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J4GTOO6wvVE
Bluee Steel
December 25th, 2011
11:54 pm
nelson can she play the post?
Najeh Davenpoop
December 25th, 2011
11:58 pm
Props to Big Al. That is the best he’s going to score all season. And now he can talk some sh-t to Joe. Miss Universe > Magic City stripper.
Slimjr
December 26th, 2011
12:07 am
“Najeh Davenpoop
December 25th, 2011
11:58 pm
“Props to Big Al. That is the best he’s going to score all season. And now he can talk some sh-t to Joe. Miss Universe > Magic City stripper.”
Wow a classic!. lmao!
But both will provide pain and pleasure!!!!!!!!!!!!!
doc
December 26th, 2011
12:13 am
najeh for you sir:
http://www.videobash.com/photo_show/amelia-vega-6163
not sure, but i might be banned. if so it was sure fun.
Slimjr
December 26th, 2011
12:16 am
Bluee Steel
I believe I said yesterday that All “set shot” should mold his game after Moses game..Similar build and size. Rebounding machine Al could become if he wants too. And sorely needed to help take his team to the next level(ECF)!
@ the 5 the Hawks should shoot for 13-16 rebounds a night from him… Lofty goal but he’s an ALLSTAR right?
i_am_soulstar
December 26th, 2011
12:24 am
doc: wow!!
I’ve seen camel toe, but that right there is a camel’s foot.
Slimjr
December 26th, 2011
12:24 am
Hey Doc, DAYUM!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Slimjr
December 26th, 2011
12:25 am
3.5 wont work……………………..Lawd………………………………
Blue Steel
December 26th, 2011
12:25 am
I agree Slimjr but I dont think Al has the heart for the post. I dont get Al and he leave me SMH.
Slimjr
December 26th, 2011
12:26 am
Whats left to the imagination Doc? LOL
Blue Steel
December 26th, 2011
12:27 am
Well I dont have to ask if she shaves! LOL. Well Thanks I see what Al is getting. Somebody thank her for the beaver shot.
Slimjr
December 26th, 2011
12:28 am
After seeing that picture^^^^^, he’ll be hanging out at the 3pt line to conserve his reserve! lol
Najeh Davenpoop
December 26th, 2011
12:28 am
LMAO @ that pic and soulstar’s comment
Blue Steel
December 26th, 2011
12:28 am
Why even bother to put on cloths? You sure she wasnt at Magic City?
Smith.Leuer.Bogut
December 26th, 2011
12:31 am
Who said Moses was 215… maybe out of high school geez. SMH
Slimjr
December 26th, 2011
12:33 am
DeAndre just got his 7th BLOCK!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Just the 3rd quarter!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!1 Wow!
Slimjr
December 26th, 2011
12:33 am
Moses was about 260-265 at least…
Slimjr
December 26th, 2011
12:34 am
DaAndre just turned 23? 4th season…Nice…
doc
December 26th, 2011
12:35 am
yes i am, al found him the biggest camel in the dominican republic guys, all of 6′1″. heh heh
Blue Steel
December 26th, 2011
12:35 am
Position: Center-Forward ▪ Height: 6-10 ▪ Weight: 215 lbs.
Born: March 23, 1955 (Age 56) in Petersburg, Virginia
High School: Petersburg in Petersburg, Virginia
NBA Debut: October 21, 1976
later in his career I believe Moses topped out at 245
Smith.Leuer.Bogut
December 26th, 2011
12:36 am
and moses malone was 6′11 with alonger wingspan than Al.
How can Al have a counter move without a reliable initial move. Give him the initial move and he’ll miss. Geez.
Slimjr
December 26th, 2011
12:38 am
Man those senorita’s from the republic can get it..They can give those Brazilian beauties a run for the money..
6′1″?..What, Big Al wanna sire an 8 footer????
Blue Steel
December 26th, 2011
12:40 am
He may have seemed played that way, but Moses was 6′ 10″ the same size as Al
http://www.basketball-reference.com/players/m/malonmo01.html
Blue Steel
December 26th, 2011
12:41 am
*He may have seemed that way and played…
Slimjr
December 26th, 2011
12:44 am
Man if Teague could shoot the rock like Paul…Sky’s the limit……..Dream on….
doc
December 26th, 2011
12:48 am
if jeff could finish like monta ellis that would be good enough slim.
Bluee Steel
December 26th, 2011
12:49 am
GS was giving the Clippers a run…
Bluee Steel
December 26th, 2011
12:52 am
19 pts and 12 rbs for David Lee
Bluee Steel
December 26th, 2011
12:59 am
That Man Deandre!