2012 Hawks Preseason: Keith Benson, Isma'il Muhammed are first cuts

The ax has fallen for the first time during training camp as the Atlanta Hawks announced the Keith Benson and Isma'il Muhammed have been waived. Both players appeared in last night's preseason loss to the Spurs. Benson scored 10 points on 5-8 shooting while Muhammed finished with one point and two assists.

Benson is a former second round pick of the Hawks in the 2011 NBA Draft. He was cut during last season's training camp and eventually landed with the Sioux Falls Skyforce of the NBA Development League. Once there, Benson played in 20 games and averaged 15.2 points and 7.8 rebounds per contest. Benson had a good showing for the Hawks in the Vegas Summer League but he was a longshot to make the roster after the signing of Anthony Tolliver.

By releasing Benson relatively early he could have the opportunity to latch on with another NBA team. If not a stint overseas on the D-League seem as the most likely options.