Earlier today, we learned that the Wolves are making progress on a contract buyout with former No. 1 pick Anthony Bennett. Minnesota has a deep frontcourt with playing time likely to be distributed among Kevin Garnett, Nikola Pekovic, Gorgui Dieng, Adreian Payne and No. 1 overall pick Karl-Anthony Towns. The team also added Damjan Rudez and Nemanja Bjelica, who could both vie for minutes as well. Bennett’s representatives have wanted a buyout to allow him a chance for greater playing time.
Bennett would be a free agent if he clears waivers. He is owed $5.8MM this season and only the Sixers and Blazers possess enough cap space to claim him. Bennett hasn’t lived up to expectations, but he has improved since coming into the league. He slash line improved from .356/.245/.638 during his first season with Cleveland to .421/.304/.641 last season with Minnesota. Although he only took 23 three-pointers, his long-range shot is worth monitoring. If he can handle an uptick in shooting from behind the arc, while improving his percentage there to about 32%, a total that would be above what a few other stretch fours, like Markieff Morris and Nikola Mirotic, hit last season, he could be a nice piece for some team willing to take a chance on him. Becoming that proficient from behind the arc is no easy feat and it’s not the only part of his game that needs works. He needs to improve on the defensive end as well, as he was the fourth worst power forward in the league last season on that end of the floor, according ESPN’s Real Plus/Minus.
So here’s tonight’s topic: Will Anthony Bennett have a prosperous career in the NBA and if so, what kind of player do you see him becoming?
Let us know your thoughts on him as a player now and what kind of player he can potentially be. Also, let us know what team would be a good fit for him should he clear waivers. Take to the comments section below to share your thoughts and opinions on the subject. We look forward to what you have to say!
This doesn’t mean much considering he hasn’t even been close to putting it all together, but there aren’t many guys who simply just possess the physical ability to be able to shoot, dribble, and dunk like he can. His athleticism (when in shape) should provide him enough to be a decent pro if he can start hitting jumpers. He could also start playing in the post a bit more and see how that works out.
I believe his jumper is the key element, but he’ll need more than that. He has the talent, hopefully he gets a chance to show his improvement.
I bet the SPURS or Atlanta could make him average but any where else he’s probably garbage
Both of those teams would be nice fits, but if its minutes he wants, he might not find them at either of those destinations.
Could probably score 40/game in China
His play this summer with Canada at the FIBA’s showed he can be a productive player. His outside shot, passing and tough defense showed a lot of promise.
Bennett has been weighed down by the expectations that come with being the top overall pick. He could have eased into his NBA career a little more if the Cavs hadn’t reached for him.
He’ll get picked up. He’s just not worth $5.8M this year and his option for next year is $7.3M. He clears waivers, the Wolves buy him out. Plenty of teams will give him a show-me contract. Kendall Marshall just got $2M guaranteed this year, then three years of club options if he gets busy. Ultra cheap now and more so as the cap goes up. Bennett could easily get a similar deal. Toronto, Lakers, Dallas, Sixers, Phoenix, Portland, Charlotte, Wizards, New Orleans…
He doesn’t pass the eye test. He’s not going to make any major impact for a contending team. He’ll float around teams like Minnesota and Charlotte. Nothing more. The dude doesn’t have the fire, the desire, the competitiveness. He’s just a guy.
The worst thing that ever happened to the guy was becoming the No. 1 overall pick, because he could never live up to having been that. Last year was something of a bounceback year, but I still think that “bust” label haunts him. Maybe returning home to Canada and the Raptors helps him psychologically? Tough to say. I think he’s capable of more than what he’s shown so far. It’s just a matter of whether he can pull it all together.
A valuable strach 4 off the bench