2011 NBA Draft Results: Keith Benson Goes No. 48 to the Atlanta Hawks
2011 NBA Draft Results: Keith Benson Goes No. 48 to the Atlanta Hawks
After toiling away in obscurity as a member of the Oakland Golden Grizzlies, Keith Benson now has a chance to really make a name for himself.
A premier offensive talent, Benson really blossomed at the center position during his junior season with the Golden Grizzlies when he averaged 17.3 points and 10.5 rebounds per game. He proved that was no fluke the next year, averaging 17.5 points and 10.1 rebounds per contest.
Benson has terrific athleticism and is a very capable defender as well. He has a chance to become a true draft-day gem.
To do so though he will need to add both strength and more weapons to his arsenal of low-post moves.
I've been hoping that Benson ended up on the Atlanta Hawks for months and it actually happened when the Hawks picked him with pick No. 48.
Once he develops, which he will, he'll take over at center for the Hawks and push Al Horford to his natural position at power forward. With the lack of elite options that Atlanta has at center, that could happen as soon as the beginning of his rookie season.
He could prove to be one of the biggest steals of the draft now that he's on the right team.
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