Atlanta Hawks: Benson, Muhammad released
Vivlamore reporting.
The Hawks released forward/center Keith Benson and guard Isma’il Muhammad Thursday, trimming their training camp roster to 17 players.
Benson (6-foot-11, 230 pounds) was a second-round draft pick of the Hawks (48th overall) in 2011. After being waived by the Hawks, he signed a 10-day contract with the Warriors and appeared in three games. He also appeared in 20 games with Sioux Falls of the NBA Development League, where he averaged 15.2 points, 7.8 rebounds and 1.5 blocks.
Benson had 10 points and two rebounds playing 10 minutes of Wednesday’s exhibition against the Spurs.
“I’ve been a lot more aggressive,” Benson told the AJC early in training camp. “I’ve worked on my overall game, my shooting, my defense. I think I’m stronger and am an improved player from last year.
“I came in for some workouts and they were impressed with my workouts. They liked what I did in summer league. I’m just trying to build on that.”
Muhammad (6-6, 228) played at W.D. Mohammed High and Georgia Tech in Atlanta. He has played professionally in Iceland, France, Saudi Arabia, Columbia, New Zealand and Venezuela.
Muhammad had one point and two assists in 12 minutes against the Spurs.
“They expect me to do what I have been doing the last few years – defend my butt off, play hard, play with energy, attack the glass and rebound and when I get the opportunity finish above the rim,” Muhammad said last week.
Coach Larry Drew said earlier this week he was not sure when the team would start trimming its roster. He has said that 19 players were too many to get into exhibition games. The team must trim its roster to 15 players by 5 p.m. on Oct. 29.
- Chris Vivlamore
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150 comments Add your comment
Slimjr
October 11th, 2012
9:38 pm
That 2nd quarter defensive lapse that created layup [dunk] city has a lot to do with coaching and lack of communication amongst the players and is indicative of an:
28-47 record against the Elites under Mr. Larry Drew’s tutelage..
46
Of course Allstar Al walks on water in that 3 lb mass sitting right behind the optic nerves for some of his fans, but we know its 5 people out there defending not the [one].
Larry will take Greyhound 1st, obviously.. The other guy just a matter of time…
Slimjr
October 11th, 2012
9:52 pm
Like I told the [Legend] who probably never picked up a basketball in his life, to defend these incredibly gifted NBA guards and keep them in front of you without being allowed to hand check is next to impossible.. There in lies the delima, we have no shot blocker/ intimidating presence in the middle to erase that dribble penetration as some us watched in horror last night…
Yea bring up Ivan..Too short and how many mins will he play…
Slimjr
October 11th, 2012
9:58 pm
and yes I was reaching for staws by putting out there that Josh at the 4 would be the last line of defense….hehehehehe
Knew you fan club members would eat that up…. lol
He said straw?
Ken Strickland
October 11th, 2012
10:08 pm
SLIM JR-You are exactly like a scratched record that repeats the same BS over and over again in a very annoying way. Surely you have enough intelligence to recognize or focus on something other than Al Horford. Are you really that sick? Only a very child like mentality can repeatedly get any sort of pleasure or satisfaction out of repeating the same theme over and over.
If your goal is to get on everyones nerves, and drawing as much attention to yourself as possible, then you’ve succeeded. Otherwise, you appear to be far to limited intellectually and basketball wise to engage anyone in intelligent discussions that involve anything other than bashing Al Horford. What’s really sad is you don’t seem to be intelligent or cognizant enough to realize you’ve long since become a broken record.
ctrim
October 11th, 2012
10:09 pm
Watching a preseason game in horror. That’s funny right there, I don’t care who you are. The drama!
doc
October 11th, 2012
10:13 pm
28-47 record against the Elites under Mr. Larry Drew’s tutelage..
46
yawn, not sure it is fecal or vomit.
doc
October 11th, 2012
10:14 pm
yum, melissa starks.
Slimjr
October 11th, 2012
10:18 pm
Hey KEN word of advice, use your scroll key..
That is all..
Rod from College Park
October 11th, 2012
10:23 pm
Keep it up Slim. Funny Stuff. LOL
Slimjr
October 11th, 2012
10:24 pm
You have long since educated me in the use of that famous key..
Mission accomplished..
BTW doc has it become obvious to you who clarification maybe..Sautee’s debate buddy perhaps..lol
Slimjr
October 11th, 2012
10:27 pm
You know it Rod..This guy thinks he’s above and beyond but it is a huge world out here.. hehehe
brigadierjerry
October 11th, 2012
10:30 pm
grandad,
i see u have 30 games for ld. r u assuming ld is going to be subpar after 30 games and get let go?
i am on record i want ld gone now. he just isnt a big time coach to me
lir(Dominican)
October 11th, 2012
10:39 pm
Hey slim use your own name to post, if you want to back up what your saying use other name.
Alex
October 11th, 2012
11:03 pm
The fact that we invited ol’ squeaky to camp to begin with is a joke. He is essentially the same type of PG as teague,lou,harris (in terms of quickness)…just shorter and not as talented. He doesn’t bring anything unique or beneficial to the team. Just cut the guy and get it over with. That picture of him getting shot over is hilarious.
Ken Strickland
October 11th, 2012
11:22 pm
SLIMJR-Good advice. It’s all my fault for holding out hope you might actually come up with something intelligent and/or different.
Hawks Blog Legend Worldwide Clyde
October 11th, 2012
11:33 pm
I’m tired of LD and his favoritism.
Hawks Blog Legend Worldwide Clyde
October 11th, 2012
11:35 pm
We will regret cutting Benson when we have to call Dampier in March.
Hawks Blog Legend Worldwide Clyde
October 11th, 2012
11:41 pm
Benson and Scott were both second round picks. Scott was given a chance but Benson wasn’t.
Slimjr
October 11th, 2012
11:46 pm
Ken, your not at fault. I give you credit for hanging in there for 45 years supporting a franchise that has [fallin] short for almost half a century and then able to quantify that by evolving and becoming the ultimate apologist.
Somewhere somebody out of 7 billion souls may label that [insanity], intelligence be darn…
Point-forward
October 11th, 2012
11:57 pm
Simply put: All of us(I hope) are Hawks fans right?(that’s why we’re here). And Al Horford is a Hawk right? I understand if people are not satisfied with something that he’s done because all of us fans are entitled to do that, that’s why we’re here most of the time. But to just plain “hate” on him like a lot of y’all here is just annoying. I mean dude, seriously GTFOutta here.
Ra'mon
October 12th, 2012
12:28 am
I wondering if LD would dare go defense in the starting line up and consider starting Stevenson and James together. Those two with a motivated Teague could be a great match up defensively in terms of intensity and effort. And then to have Ivan and Zaza always coming off the bench together (The Bruiser Brothers), you would always have hustle players on the court who brings a toughness to them.
Ra'mon
October 12th, 2012
12:33 am
I’m
Hawks Blog Legend Worldwide Clyde
October 12th, 2012
12:34 am
Our frontline could not get it done for 4 years and now we are bring the same back plus Petro.
FIRE LD
Hawks Blog Legend Worldwide Clyde
October 12th, 2012
12:41 am
Horford = soft
Zaza = soft
Petro = extra soft
I hope we can outscore our opponents because defense will be a problem. Undersized guards and centers that are scared to block a shot is a bad combination.
Grandad
October 12th, 2012
12:52 am
Brig-Jerry
Mostly I`m just makin` a baseless prediction.
My thinking is DFerry will not put up with LD`s lack of discipline.
If LD continues with his manure of:
having a cast system amongst players,
allowing less than excellent performance and production,
and talking a good game, yet not backing it up.
These antics will not stand under Ferry`s scrutiny.
He will need for “his” players, those remaining and those acquired,
to begin their schooling immediately.
He cannot wait for next season to build his Culture !
Therefore; that`s why I came up with – 30 games.
Ra'mon
October 12th, 2012
12:53 am
Guys, I have a question. I’m not saying I would or would not do this deal. However, I’m curious to see what people think. If Boston was for the deal, would any of you guys be for trading a young contract secured Al Horford and Morrow for an old 2 seasons left Kevin Garnett? Would a front court of Garnett and Josh change the perception and culture of Atlanta basketball? Would that be something to make a player like CP3 or even D12 take a long look at Atlanta again? Garnett is the one big aside from Dirk who has just as good of a touch from outside as Al does. Of course we know his injury history and his age. However, if Al was ever dealt, I’d rather take a chance on Garnett than to take a chance on Jefferson. (and I’m curious about Garnett, and not Gasol because of the vast difference in salaries). So, would you make the deal if offered as Atlanta’s GM?
Najeh Davenpoop
October 12th, 2012
1:09 am
“What we might be seeing is the decision to go with just 1 backup C(Zaza), with IJohnson filling in as the 2nd backup C, based on the good job he did last yr. We could still see Petro cut or traded before the preseason ends, especially if his play doesn’t improve. ”
I hope you are right. I can live with Ivan as the #3 center behind Zaza. As long as they don’t waste a roster spot on Petro, it’s all good.
Najeh Davenpoop
October 12th, 2012
1:11 am
From what little I saw of James Anderson in the highlights of the Hawks-Spurs game, he doesn’t look big enough to play SF.
Najeh Davenpoop
October 12th, 2012
1:17 am
From the previous blog (or the one before that, or something, hard to keep track nowadays)
“Najeh, do you think the Hawks should let Josh walk at the end of this season, tank next year and try to land Andrew Wiggins in the 2014 draft?”
In all honesty I don’t know who Andrew Wiggins is. But if they feel like CP3 and/or Dwight are not realistic free agent acquisitions (and let’s face it, Dwight is not realistic at this point) then the right move is to tank for a superstar, because it doesn’t look like another one will become available via trade or free agency any time soon. Ideally, I’d rather be able to keep some of the current talent around to serve as the supporting cast for whatever superstar joins this team eventually, but if that is not feasible then blowing it up is the right move. Ferry has positioned the Hawks to accomplish that, with a ton of salary coming off the books after this season.
I would have a problem with letting Josh walk for no compensation, though. Ideally he gets traded or sign-and-traded for something of value.
Najeh Davenpoop
October 12th, 2012
1:20 am
My guess is a lot of opinions about the future of this team are going to be different, mine included, about six months from now. We can all speculate, but nobody really has any idea what this team can do. Maybe they finish as high as the 5 seed, like Zach Lowe thinks. Maybe they are a lottery team. Maybe they are somewhere in between. Suppose they finish as a 5 seed and have a chance to get CP3 and Harden in free agency while also keeping Josh, does that make them a title contender? On the other hand, suppose they finish deep enough in the lottery to where they can end up with a top 5 pick, would that justify keeping Josh as a complementary piece to a potential superstar that they can draft? Without knowing exactly how good this team is, it’s hard to come up with a real contingency plan.
Buddy Grizzard
October 12th, 2012
1:48 am
Good luck to Kito Benson. This Hawks roster did not present an opportunity due to the numbers game:
http://repatl.blogspot.com/2012/10/keep-working-kito-benson-you-will-stick.html
Buddy Grizzard
October 12th, 2012
1:57 am
Wiggins is the only known draft prospect with superstar potential. He will either be available in the 2014 or 2015 draft, depending on his decision to reclassify in high school. Cody Zeller is the top prospect in the 2013 draft. Probably not gonna lead the Hawks to the promised land if things go bad this year.
Buddy Grizzard
October 12th, 2012
1:59 am
“From what little I saw of James Anderson in the highlights of the Hawks-Spurs game, he doesn’t look big enough to play SF.”
I will be shocked if anyone other than Anderson and Squeaky are the final two cuts. As Ferry promised, there is a roster spot for Mike Scott.
Ra'mon
October 12th, 2012
2:33 am
Buddy, Muhammed is the highest ranked superstar potential in the draft. He’s compared to Lebron, and humble.
Najeh Davenpoop
October 12th, 2012
2:43 am
I looked up Andrew Wiggins and found out he was born in 1995. That dude couldn’t even talk when the Braves won the World Series and he is the next NBA superstar prospect. I feel old as sh-t…
PEDRO EL GITANO
October 12th, 2012
4:49 am
Error grave de la gerencia,Benson debería haber sido firmado,es mucho mejor que Petro.Esta noticia es una mierda.Si alguien dá a Benson los mismos minutos que los hawks le dan a Horford producirá más.Era el pivot de más calidad que teníamos.
ag
October 12th, 2012
7:58 am
Grandad, Scott played terrible in the Summer League. The first surprise to me was he was offered a contract. Maybe I agree with ctrim, they may have let him go in enough time to catch on with another team. If you look at Benson’s numbers in the Developmental league, they were pretty good.
I think he also had a good SL. I would have rather kept him. Honestly, I think in a couple of years we will regret this move – especially considered Petro is on this team.
vava74
October 12th, 2012
8:17 am
ag,
Benson put up decent numbers in the Summer League but his production went from good to so-so.
Scott put similar numbers and his production went from so-so to good.
I am fully against waiving Benson, but since Petro has a guaranteed spot, our roster needs more versatility and depth at the SF and PF slots.
Scott, being smallish PF with a shooter’s touch ends being more versatile than Benson since, in theory, he can contribute a few minutes at the SF slot.
vava74
October 12th, 2012
8:19 am
ag,
Scott only played poorly in the summer league from a shooting % point of view.
Now it seems that he got his shooting touch back. Heck, his 3 pointer against the Spurs looked like something which Paul Pierce would do (body language and shooting form included).
ag
October 12th, 2012
8:25 am
Point-forward, even though Ken and Slim Jr are at odds, and clearly Slim Jr is not a Al fan – nobody is worse than stephen a smith or the guy who keeps changing names and bashing al. I said it in another post if you are not a Hawk fan and “tired” or 47 years of being mediocre, there are blogs in LA, MIA and Boston to enjoy.
I like the blogs filled with subjective opionions, but to continue on and on it just plain stupid!.
V – again, I would like someone to ask a tough question.
“Clearly Benson outplayed Petro. Why after only ONE game would you cut that player”
O'Brien
October 12th, 2012
8:31 am
Speaking of Benson being released, Steven A said He has better Basketball instincts than some of our other frontcourt “Bigs”. I would rather see them “Amnesty one of our starting frontcourt players”.
That has confirmed to me that I need to scroll past Steven A’s posts from now on.
O'Brien
October 12th, 2012
8:41 am
Najeh,
But if they feel like CP3 and/or Dwight are not realistic free agent acquisitions (and let’s face it, Dwight is not realistic at this point) then the right move is to tank for a superstar, because it doesn’t look like another one will become available via trade or free agency any time soon..
Don’t you think fans will get tired of the losing/tanking, and ownership will lose revenue (plus no playoff appearances)? Also, having a top 5 pick does not guarantee a superstar. In last year’s draft alone, who do you think has the chance to be a superstar among the top 5 picks? Plus the Hawks could end up with the 4th worst record, only to end up with pick #7.
O'Brien
October 12th, 2012
8:47 am
ag,
V – again, I would like someone to ask a tough question.
“Clearly Benson outplayed Petro. Why after only ONE game would you cut that player”.
I think the answer is Petro’s contract is GUARANTEED at $3 mil, while Benson does not have a contract. If Benson and Petro were due to make the same salary, I think Petro would have been cut instead.
DS
October 12th, 2012
8:50 am
The only reason Petro stayed instead of Benson is that guaranteed contract…you can’t let $3MM just walk out the door.
Slimjr: are you a troll? Or do you really believe the stuff that you type?
vava74
October 12th, 2012
8:51 am
Heck, can’t Ferry convince Billy King to trade for Petro again?
I MUS WRITE
October 12th, 2012
8:59 am
Benson being cut is just a numbers game. We keep the god awful Petro for salary cap/trade reasons, If it was based on actual talent then I go with Benson but its clear that Ferry is looking for a trade. Cant believe he makes 3.5 mill a yr thats insane for a stiff like Petro _I would prefer a bruiser at C like Kyle Fresinco.
Sum people need to realize this is a blog and their opinions and beliefs are the only ones that matter. Let it go already….Not going to mention names becuz I dont feel like verbal sparring but the person accusing others of being annoying is probably the most annoying Mudda Fugga on this board. Insightful but annoying as fugg all the same.
Grandad what the hell are you talking about why are you referencing Jerry Sandusky? My god you creep me out sumtimes. “Get those kids away from grandiddy yall know he got issues”
I MUS WRITE
October 12th, 2012
9:09 am
Naje Davenpoop -I feel u bro,I was partyn my azz of in 95 lol.. tweeked my knee about 10 days ago hoop’n at La Fitness. 10 yrs ago im ready to go the next day. Present time im wearing a knee brace drinking coffee watching Sports Center….Age catches up to us all, but I will say im still competitive for a baller in my late 30’s these yungs are all flash and no substance. Basics & Fundementals are things of the past.
I MUS WRITE
October 12th, 2012
9:09 am
ARE”NT
MsDee
October 12th, 2012
9:12 am
I MUS WRITE,
Surprise u havent recognized that’s one of the trolls using Grandad’s handle. If u follow the blog often, u can see the difference in Grandad’s posts, and the Jerry Sandusky post.
John
October 12th, 2012
9:18 am
Of all the fringe guys, I think James can be the biggest help and could start at SF with how thin we are at the position. I was excited when we drafted him a few years ago.