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
Tell us what you think about the site
Customer Care »
Vacation stops, manage subscriptions and more
AJC Services
Sections
Other Editions
Visitor Agreement | Privacy Statement
© 2013 The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
771 comments Add your comment
Grandmaster JeJe
December 23rd, 2011
9:30 pm
Those ESPN power rankings are straight up BS. I’m not even biased at all as a Hawks fan.
Milwaukee, Indy, Philly ahead of us? PHILLY?
Denver at 9? They lost like 219348 players this offseason to China.
SMDH @ Marc Stein
Milwaukee is ahead of us? Really? WTF have they accomplished the last 4 seasons?
Philly doesn’t even have an offense. Their best player is incredibly overrated (Iguodala).
Whereas, we are a young core that is a year older, with one of our best benches in years
Big Dog
December 23rd, 2011
9:36 pm
Slimjr It would be nice to have your boy DeAndre holding down the paint. Can you imagine he and Josh…wow. Off the chain.
Big Dog
December 23rd, 2011
9:37 pm
Grandmaster JeJe do you think its possible that they can be thinking we are soft defensively where it counts?
Ken Strickland
December 23rd, 2011
9:37 pm
While reading an article about the hawks projection for the upcoming season, I saw where Radmanovic scored 11pts. Then I realized that was only 3.5 fewer PPG than Jamal averaged, and RAD doesn’t have to dominate the ball, the OFF, or need anywhere near as many shot attempts as Jamal needed to get his points. He’s also a better rebounder and DEF player than Jamal. If our bench ends up being Zaza, Twin, Radmanovic, TMac, Johnson, Green, and Pargo, we’ll be better defensively than in the past, with more than enough OFF firepower to replace Jamal’s production. I think Sloan will get the nod over Stackhouse as the extra player.
In fact, there won’t be any dead weight on our bench, which would be a departure from the past. For the 1st time, we’ll have multiple options off the bench if one player is having a bad night. In the past, if Jamal or Flip was off, which happened frequently, we had no other scoring options. Also, since none of our bench players are DEF liabilities, they can still give us something even if their scoring is off. Once our new additions get on the same page with everyone else, we are going to be a very solid team.
Rolando
December 23rd, 2011
9:40 pm
I still feel like the biggest problem for this team is coaching. You can put down the players and their tendencies all you want, but the fact of the matter is that system being used only magnifies the problems.
This jump-shooting parade that Larry Drew calls an offense is a joke at times. I can basically sum it up in the offensive approach/process in a few sentences. A “PG” or Joe will bring the ball up the court and hand it off to Al at the top of the key. All 5 players will then stand around the perimeter, and Al will first look inside for someone to pass to, and then the players will swing the ball back and forth around the perimeter for a while to see if someone is open for a jump shot. If they are, someone will shoot and either make the shot or miss it and it’s one-and-done situation, since everyone will start running back right away. If no one is open, the ball will either stop in Joe’s hand’s and he’ll force up a shot at the end of the clock or it will stop in Smith’s hands and he will try to do something he shouldn’t and likely cause either a turnover or missed shot. The other scenario is that one player will get the ball on the left or right mid-post area, a few steps out of the paint. When that happens, if the player is not doubled, we run an iso play and the rest of the 4 players stand on the perimeter to wait and see what happens. There’s almost zero cuts, screening is only to create jump shots, and when a player has good deep-post position, his teammates fail to deliver the ball or Drew calls out for a different “play”.
Forget about management doing a bad job of bringing in help and improving the roster. At this point, we have to work with what we have, and our coaching staff does a poor job of utilizing the talent we have and evaluating new talent. Instead of trying to develop a system that utilizes the strengths of our players and putting them into positions where they can be most effective, the way someone like Popovich would, Drew throws any and all players into his “system” and if they don’t fit to his liking, the players are traded or cut.
Jordan Crawford was thrown away since Drew and our staff didn’t see his potential and thought he was just a “gunner”, without realizing that he’s only starting his career and could be molded into a pretty effective player. Sy had the physical credentials to be at least a decent NBA player, but instead of trying to develop him, he is cut just because he doesn’t look like he can play the exact position that Drew wants him to play right now. Also, guys who don’t fit the “system” see less and less court time, just because Drew can’t “trust” them, or because they “aren’t working hard enough”. Powell was only signed because Drew liked his jumpshot, and that’s essentially the only reason he saw playing time, since Drew felt like he could fit in to the jump shot parade. Teague, on the other hand, still doesn’t have a reliable jump shot, and since Drew doesn’t want someone to take the ball out of Joe’s hands when it comes to playmaking, Teague was benched for most of the year last year, even though he has some unique abilities which no-one else on the team has.
I’m tired of seeing the way things are being run under Drew. We are stunting the development of our younger players and getting less than we could be getting out of our “core” because we are forcing guys into a system that causes many of them to play to their weaknesses. Also, there’s no equal accountability nor is there a reward/punishment system based upon the way someone produces on the court. Instead, there is unfair criticism and bias and playing time is awarded based upon personal relationships and veteran status, rather than production.
I really feel like guys like Al and Josh could be much more effective and really play their best elsewhere. No one is really being helped by Drew’s system. The only guy that even gets to showcase his best talents is Joe Johnson, and that’s not because of the system, it’s only because the staff trusts him enough to let him take over the game when he chooses to. Putting Jeff Teague on the floor on the offensive end without the ball in his hands takes away his most valuable assests (his driving and penetrating ability) and makes him an inefficient spot-up shooter who defenders will ignore and dare to shoot. Putting Josh on the perimeter causes him to play to his weaknesses and tempts him to simply settle for long jump shots rather than use his superior athleticism to cut to the hoop and score inside. Also, while Al is an exceptional mid-range shooter, you still lose out on his ability by having him wait on the perimeter for a jump shot, since that keeps our best rebounder away from the glass. Marvin Williams looked totally lost last season in Drew’s system, since he never seemed to know when or where he was going to get the ball. Most of the times when he did shoot, he looked surprised to even get a pass and rushed a shot that he would then miss. Marvin didn’t even have a clear role in the offense last season other than to spot up and see if no one else is going to shoot.
It gets worse when you look at the new bench. You are not going to have much success if you are going to live and die by the jumper with a lineup that features Jannero Pargo, Willie Green, today’s T-Mac, Radmanovic, and Zaza. The only reliable shooter in that whole lineup is Radmanovic, and he’s a stretch 4. Also, don’t count on any of those guys cutting to the hoop, especially since Drew’s offense features almost none of that anyway.
What we need is a better coach who knows the strengths of his players and puts them in positions where they can be their most effective. We need someone who also enforces equal accountability and does not simply play favorites and allow certain players to do whatever they want regardless of the results. We also need a staff that knows how to develop young players rather than just throw them out in exchange for veterans who have almost nothing left in the tank.
I know our team has some holes and shortcomings when it comes to personnel, but we should at the very least make the most of what talent we do have, and the staff is not doing an adequate job of that.
Supe Quick
December 23rd, 2011
9:44 pm
Stackhouse and Tmac is too old, those guys can not play and more, they dont need to be on anyone NBA Team. Tmac will be hurt before MLK day.
Ken Strickland
December 23rd, 2011
9:46 pm
I’ve noticed a vast improvement in JSmoove’s jumpshot. He doesn’t hold it behind his head like he did in the past, and he’s using more wrist and less elbow. I think his outside shooting will improve if he sticks to taking wide open shots. I’ve also noticed that Marvin doesn’t turn to the side as much when he shoots, like he’s done the last 2yrs. He seems to be shooting like he did before his back problems started, only with more range.
Grandmaster JeJe
December 23rd, 2011
9:46 pm
This is the same team as last year, with 1 more year experience (including LD), a deeper bench, better defenders (no more Bibby or Jamal), and Teague/T-MAC/Radmanovich (who is the SLEEPER on the roster) will more than compensate Jamal’s scoring
AMNESTY GEARON
Grandmaster JeJe
December 23rd, 2011
9:48 pm
“Grandmaster JeJe do you think its possible that they can be thinking we are soft defensively where it counts?”
No. They just act like Jamal made or broke this team. We will be fine without his non-existent defense. I think we will be better than last season and we have a very solid bench. If Marvin or Smoove take that next step this year, we won’t be that much off from where Chicago is
Rolando
December 23rd, 2011
9:49 pm
Grandmaster Jeje,
I agree with you that some of the rankings on ESPN really do look like bandwagon BS and are totally off-base. The fact that someone would even consider placing Milwaukee ahead of us when they have had almost no success in years and made no real upgrades to their roster, just goes to show you how little these writers know about the NBA. I don’t even bother to read most of that stuff since I feel like many of the writers have no credibility whatsoever. They basically have as much clout as any bored blogger who feels like sharing his/her opinion. I wouldn’t read into any of their predictions.
Slimjr
December 23rd, 2011
9:49 pm
Yes Big Dog, two rim protectors at the 4 and 5? What a dream? Plus DeAndre alters a ton of shots that aren’t recorded……He also has a post game that’s improving..
ECF this year or next without a doubt..
Grandmaster JeJe
December 23rd, 2011
9:51 pm
I’d be interested to see Jamal’s +/- on the team when he was in with the 1st unit or just some of the subs (no garbage minutes)
Big Dog
December 23rd, 2011
9:52 pm
Slimjr to think he was the 34th pick the year after we took Big Al with the 3rd pick. Al Horford reminds me a lot of Big Al Henderson.
Slimjr
December 23rd, 2011
9:54 pm
So far what I’ve seen from Rad is very promising… Good handles for the big man, will help with rebounding chores and just has a knack for the game. Can score the ball too? A pleasant surprise IMHO….
Big Dog
December 23rd, 2011
9:56 pm
All this talk about Al wanting to play power forward, well he cant as long as Josh is here because Josh is a much better power forward than Al. So why would we start Al at power forward over Josh?
Talk about a dumb move.
Slimjr
December 23rd, 2011
9:57 pm
“Al Horford reminds me a lot of Big Al Henderson” never heard that one before?Hmmmmm…
If I recall Henderson did not have good handles either? He also played the 4 right?
Big Dog
December 23rd, 2011
9:58 pm
The pick of the litter has to be Ivan Johnson. What is he 29 year old? Hmmm
Slimjr
December 23rd, 2011
10:00 pm
I just hope Ivan the Terrific doesn’t turn into JR Ryder…..lmao
Buddy Grizzard
December 23rd, 2011
10:00 pm
“Woody is so good that he just couldn’t get another job as a HC. Billy ain’t got another job….” – Big Ray
Lon Kruger
Terry Stotts
Mike Woodson
Larry Drew
Big Ray let me ask you an honest question. After Larry Drew is let go by the Hawks, do you think he will ever get another head coaching position in the NBA?
Big Dog
December 23rd, 2011
10:02 pm
He played 4 and put in time at the 5
* Alan Henderson
* #44
* Power Forward
* Philadelphia 76ers
* Height: 6-9
* Weight: 240
* Born: Dec 2, 1972 – Morgantown, West Virginia
* College: Indiana
* Draft: 1995 – 1st round (16th pick) by the Atlanta Hawks
Big Dog
December 23rd, 2011
10:04 pm
Here ya go Slimjr, no Isaiah here. actually the man is 28…..
http://www.nba.com/dleague/playerfile/ivan_johnson/
Jerome
December 23rd, 2011
10:05 pm
I can’t believe the fascination with DeAndre Jordan. I realize that a lot of kids like to see dunks and evaluate talent based upon how many highlights a guy has, but don’t get carried away. DeAndre Jordan is a solid defender and may end up being a good player in the future, but right now, he’s below average in just about every category for his position, other than in blocks and FG%. This is a guy that nearly 100% of his scoring created for him, and scored all of his points in the paint on a lot of attempts that people would refer to as “easy baskets”. I’m not even talking about him scoring as though he were a garbage player (scoring off of putbacks) like someone like Noah, Jordan scored almost entirely just from finishing plays with a lob or an easy dunk inside when he was open. The guy can’t create his shot at all yet, he has no jumpshot yet, nor is he capable of scoring in any way outside of the paint or in the post yet. Also, consider that at 6′11″, he’s a below-average rebounder, and he’s not an impressive passer yet either.
Don’t get me wrong, I’m not trying to put the kid down. He probably has a bright future, and maybe he could end up being an all-star one day if everything pans out, but right now, he’s just a very raw physical talent without fundamentals. Give the guy some time to develop and see if he’s really going to be a top-tier center before you jump on his bandwagon. There’s a reason why he was drafted late. So far, his development has been very slow, and without someone to really create easy baskets for him, I’m not sure he can give you much at all on the offensive end. He’d be a solid center on the defensive end and a solid backup right now if he just continues to stay disciplined and works on his game, but I don’t know know if he’ll ever be a force on both ends or ever reach an all-star level. He’s one of the most impressive big men I’ve ever seen from an athletic standpoint, but right now he has a long way to go with developing actual basketball skills.
Big Dog
December 23rd, 2011
10:06 pm
My bad you said JR Ryder I was thinking of Isaiah Ryder.
Slimjr
December 23rd, 2011
10:08 pm
Naw I got it wrong BigDog. Thanks for the correction.. I was thinking Isaiah Ryder…
Grandmaster JeJe
December 23rd, 2011
10:10 pm
Rolando,
Pathetic they had Philly ahead of us too.
What exactly do they have going for themselves? Their best player is mad overrated and can’t create offense (Iguodala). Everyone else on the team is good but not great.
SMH
We are 4th seed at worst this year. I really don’t see how we will not be the 3 seed though. NYK’s backcourt is horrible (B-Diddy out 4-8 weeks and probably more given how pathetic his conditioning and health is)- Bibby has back spasms, and Toney isn’t good enough to be a starting PG. Boston should fall off a cliff IMHO now that Perkins is gone. The only team I see improving that much is Indy and they won’t be a top 4 team.
Big Dog
December 23rd, 2011
10:13 pm
“but right now, he’s just a very raw physical talent without fundamentals.”
Agreed but Al Horford has peaked after 5 year. DeAndre’s raw talent has a tremendous upside. Coming out of college Al was Dubbed the ” most polished and NBA ready” player in the draft. he hasnt gotten any better in my opinion. His best year in college he was a 12ppg and his pro career ave is 12ppg. He is not doing any thing better since he got here. Hes peaks. DeAndre has only just begun. For my money Im on the bandwagon with the guys who would take DeAndre over Al.
In fact let me ask you a question… do you think the Clippers would make that trade head up DeAndre for Al?
Slimjr
December 23rd, 2011
10:15 pm
Ivan is a bonifide scorer! He will be huge down the stretch in those 3rd and 4th quarters helping with the scoring load..In the past our front line could not contribute at times in the 2nd half which lead to NBA record blowouts…
Slimjr
December 23rd, 2011
10:17 pm
“Al Horford has peaked after 5 year”
It appears that way….
northcyde
December 23rd, 2011
10:27 pm
Grandmaster JeJe
December 23rd, 2011
9:51 pm
I’d be interested to see Jamal’s +/- on the team when he was in with the 1st unit or just some of the subs (no garbage minutes)
**************************
From basketballvalue.com
Jamal’s top 5 units in minutes
http://basketballvalue.com/player.php?year=2010-2011&id=249
1) Bibby – Jamal – JJ – Josh – Al: ( +57 )
2) Jamal – JJ – Marvin – Josh – Al: ( -53 )
3) Jamal – Hinrich – JJ – Josh – Al: ( – 17 )
4) Jamal – Hinrich – JJ – Josh – Zaza: ( +8 )
5) Teague – Jamal – Evans – Powell – Zaza: ( -2 )
If you count all of Jamal’s lineups, we were ( +2 ) for the year when he was in the game
- Johnson ( +86 )
- Smith ( +62 )
- Horford ( +44 )
- Marvin ( – 44 )
- Teague ( – 62 ) . . . but ( +33 ) when he played with JJ – Marvin – Josh – Al . . compared to Jamal’s ( – 53 ) when he played with those same players.
Big Dog
December 23rd, 2011
10:27 pm
Do you think the Clippers would make that trade head up DeAndre for Al?
If the answer is yes then Al talent is more esteemed than DeAndre’s
If the answer is no then they value DeAndre’s talent more than a 2 time All Star and an All NBA player…. Al Horford.
You know the answer.
all for one.......
December 23rd, 2011
10:29 pm
Honestly, to be kind, our Hawks chicken stuff for brains are the worst drafters ever. We draft Benson this year and he lasts a week. The greatest Joke ever popsy or popsie or poppy seed. Come on Man! The truth is those are two terrible unknown picks the only people who know them is their mama. Hawks you want to build a fan base pick a gosh darned Duke Blue Devil player just for the Hell of it. Jerks
Big Dog
December 23rd, 2011
10:30 pm
northcyde does that mean that Crawford was at his best, as was the team when Bibby was the point?
all for one.......
December 23rd, 2011
10:34 pm
Pick another unknown from the dark continent and you should be ousted from the NBA. Joe Johnson is paid 10 times too much. Do YOU know what the Hell you are doing,. Casey Stengel said does anybody know how to play this game. Casey would be amazed with the high level of absolute stupidity YOU rocket scientists display. Somebody actually pays YOU idiots real money to be a stooge.
all for one.......
December 23rd, 2011
10:42 pm
Come on Man! Who picked Josh Smith, Marvin Williams, Al Horford. We were building a team. Then we whiff at draft for 6 to 7 years in a row. popssi?? really. Do you guys self analyse yourselves. You know, What can we do better? stuff. How about drafting someone who can actually play and produce. They are out there. Throw darts at a board, l believe we would come out better. Owners fire somebody, hire someone who knows what a basketball player looks like. Call me, l am available. lf l cant do better than popsie or overpaying Joe, then fire me too. l can do better than your current basketball people????????
Grandad
December 23rd, 2011
10:44 pm
Merry Christmas to all my friends,
Happy Holidays to you and your families
-&-
A Festivus for the Rest of us !
G-dad
just a thought..
December 23rd, 2011
10:50 pm
Just a thought, but do any of you guys think we win on tuesday vs. the nets? For me, I would say yes, since they have no brook lopez for a fraction of the season.
Rev in Tampa
December 23rd, 2011
10:57 pm
Merry Christmas Grandad. You are sorely missed.
Decatur Shawty
December 23rd, 2011
10:58 pm
We just need to tank it and get a good lottery pick because of the potential and because im tired of us losing in the second round
KevinM
December 23rd, 2011
11:04 pm
G-Dad, give us more than that! Have you reconsidered?
For the guy that hired Bob Weiss, I don’t have a lot of faith in Sund improving our roster during the season barring a major injury on a starter.
Ken S. I had the same opinion on Josh earlier. His shot has improved from last year and looks very precise. For the condition he came in this year, I think he alone wants to show the league he is all-star worthy. I see a big year for him out of all the starters. If he and JT can develop some chemistry, we might get a dose of lob city South.
With the guys we brought into camp, I have to say this is the best we can do given what we have.
Time to knock off NJ a couple of times.
Rev in Tampa
December 23rd, 2011
11:05 pm
A little Christmas cheer for everyone… except MC.
While most of us are enjoying time off with family and friends MC is diligently covering this hot mess of an organization we all know, not so affectionatelya, as ASKG.
MC, better you than us.
Merry Christmas
Ken Strickland
December 23rd, 2011
11:05 pm
Only an ANAL MINDED IDIOT, with a lower basketball IQ than a drop of water, would suggest getting rid of a 5yr veteran center, who’s All NBA, and been an Allstar the last 2yrs, just because they think he’s peaked. I’ll take a vet like Horford, and his accomplishments even if he’s peaked, over a raw one dimensional player like DJordan, who will never reach Horfords level of accomplishments, or peak at his level.. Once again, STUPID IS AS STUPID DOES!
Rev in Tampa
December 23rd, 2011
11:08 pm
MC, no ill intent indended. Rather, a backhanded way of saying we appreciate you very much. Merry Christmas.
brigadierjerry
December 23rd, 2011
11:11 pm
Grandmaster JeJe ,
What are your rankings for the East this year?
Rufus1
December 23rd, 2011
11:15 pm
northcyde
“- Teague ( – 62 ) . . . but ( +33 ) when he played with JJ – Marvin – Josh – Al . . compared to Jamal’s ( – 53 ) when he played with those same players.” – northcyde
This explains why Marvin is starting….That is also our best defensive team.
Slimjr
December 23rd, 2011
11:20 pm
Happy Holidays to G-dad and all of the AWESOME BLOG FOLK ON THIS AWESOME BLOG!!!!!!
Difference of opinions shall be tolerated…..got it…lol
O'Brien
December 23rd, 2011
11:28 pm
Northcyde,
BK tried to fire Woody, and promote LD. But ASG said no. And then Woody got a 2 year extension, while BK was only offered a 1 year extension.
I’m not saying BK had no power, but it appears that Woody was more liked (by ASG).
O'Brien
December 23rd, 2011
11:29 pm
Najeh,
Three backup combo guards, and only one backup center..
Technically, there are 2 backup centers. Zaza and Twin. Its just that Twin is ineffective against almost every center not named Dwight.
O'Brien
December 23rd, 2011
11:30 pm
Wabe,
Constantly mismanaging their assets..
Let’s not forget, losing the #6 pick (Childress) for basically nothing in return (a TPE that will not be used).
However, 4 of the Hawks 5 starters were Hawks draftees (Teague, Marvin, Josh, and Al). So they do deserve some credit (until you consider who they passed over).
Rufus1
December 23rd, 2011
11:32 pm
Mychal Thompson bashes Knicks Stars..
http://www.hoopsworld.com/mychal-thompson-slams-melo-amar%E2%80%99e
I thought I was the only one who noticed.
JaeEvolution
December 23rd, 2011
11:36 pm
Why are we limiting Jason Collings defensive abilities to Dwight I don’t get it. If he can put up a good defensive effort against the best offensive Center in the league, why doesn’t that mean he can stop ANY offensive Center, I certainly don’t see why not…