Keith

Benson

Benson has averaged just six points and four rebounds in 21 minutes, and if he can’t play in Italy, his chances of making the Hawks’ final roster could be slim.

Benson comes from the D-League, where he was playing for the Sioux Falls SkyForce. He’ll give the Warriors more depth at center, but guys like Jeremy Tyler and Mickell Gladness are more likely to get minutes than Benson.

By waiving Benson, their second round pick from this summer’s draft, the Hawks have reduced their roster to the regular season maximum of 15 players.

This sounds like a mutually-agreed upon arrangement, as Benson can begin his NBA career (assuming the lockout actually ends) and the Italian team is signing Steven Hunter as a replacement.

Benson was just in for training camp. The team also announced that Isma’il Muhammad has been waived as well.

Benson was originally drafted by the Hawks as a second-round pick in 2011, but he was waived before the season started and wound up playing with the Warriors last year after a stint in the D-League. The team will also bring in G Squeaky Johnson.

Benson had been struggling to adjust to the European game, but he recently had eight points and 13 rebounds against Vanoli Cremona, and that could’ve been enough to keep him in the plans for the time being.

The 27-year-old forward had a training camp deal with the Heat last season, but he spent the year in the D-League after the Heat waived him. Benson has only played in three NBA games with the Warriors back in the 2011-12 season.

Benson will be the 20th player on the Heat’s training camp roster. Benson was also with the Heat in camp last season, but his chances of making the team will be slightly better due to the uncertainty around Chris Bosh (blood clots).

He was the 20th addition to the training camp roster, and never had a realistic chance of making the team. He’s likely bound for the D-League.