News: Rookie center Keith Benson was signed to a 10-day contract by the Warriors on Friday, as they continue to search for some kind of depth in the middle. Benson has spent the season playing for Sioux Falls of the D-League, averaging 15.2 points with 7.8 rebounds in 20 games. Benson made his debut on Saturday against the Kings, playing four minutes, finishing with two rebounds and no points.
Analysis: Benson was the No. 48 pick in the 2011 NBA Draft by Atlanta, however they released him before he appeared in a game. The rookie out of Oakland University should be the third center on the roster for the Warriors, so he should not have much Fantasy value in any formats.
News: Rookie center Keith Benson signed a contract with Atlanta on Friday. The Hawks selected the Oakland University big man with the 48th pick in the second round of this year's NBA draft.
Analysis: Benson averaged 14.1 points and 8.2 rebounds in four seasons with Oakland. If Al Horford moves out of the center position, there is a chance Benson starts alongside the All-Star. Jason Collins was also signed by the Hawks, but he doesn't have as much upside as Benson. Fantasy owners should keep tabs on the rookie and view him as a late-round choice in standard leagues.
News: Center Keith Benson wants to help the Hawks boost their scoring and defense on the front line. The Hawks selected the Oakland University big man with the 48th pick in the second round of Thursday's NBA draft. "I'm looking forward to playing with Al Horford," Benson said. "He's developed into one of the really good bigs in this league. I've always liked watching Joe Johnson. They're an athletic team. I think I can contribute to that." Benson was the Hawks' first selection after GM Rick Sund traded a first-rounder to Washington in February for a package that included veteran guard Kirk Hinrich. Benson averaged 14.1 points and 8.2 rebounds in four seasons with Oakland. The 6-foot-11, 224-pound Benson knows the Hawks want him to add muscle and bulk. "I think I have the frame to put on a lot of weight, and my game will really increase once I put on that weight and some strength and things like that," Benson said. "I think I can put on 20 or more pounds." Atlanta, which is coming off a second-round playoff loss to Chicago, was seeking low-post offense to take some of the front-line scoring responsibilities off Horford.
Analysis: Benson was named the 2011 Summit League top player and defensive player of the year. His senior year of 17.9 points and 10.1 rebounds helped his Rochester, Mich.-based school play well enough to advance to the NCAA tournament. Oakland lost to Texas in the first round. Benson has a chance to start for the Hawks since Horford has expressed a desire to play power forward rather than center. Keep an eye on his development, but Benson can be worth a late-round pick in standard leagues. He is also worth a late-round pick in dynasty/keeper leagues, and he should be drafted in Round 3 of rookie-only formats.
