SB Nation's Scott Schroeder reports that Atlanta Hawks second round pick Keith Benson has made alternative plans just in case the NBA Lockout stretches into the regular season. Schroeder reports that Benson has signed in Italy to play for Dinamo Sassari.
Benson signed a contract with Dinamo Sassari for the upcoming season, according to a press release posted on the Italian team's website. The release notes that Benson has an opt-out clause to return stateside, but only for a guaranteed NBA contract with provisions keeping him in Italy if his American options are either signing a 10-day contract or being assigned to the NBA Development League.
Interesting that Benson has covered himself in the event that he isn't offered a guaranteed deal in the NBA by the Hawks. Given the many open spots on the Atlanta roster, we haven't discussed much that second round picks don't always sign guaranteed deals heading into training camp. Remember the lockout began before teams were able to negotiate with this year's draft picks. Still given the many open spots on the roster, Benson looks like a lock for the Hawks once the Lockout is over.