Anthony Bennett Waived....Again

[Eja117]

A guy who was a consensus top 10 pick who should be a college junior who was hurt most of his rookie year? Who had a fine summer league and a decent summer on team Canada? For free?

I would totally take him for part of a year. Heck. I wouldn't mind if Brad Stevens put him and James Young together in a sit down and says "We'll probably keep one of you past this year".

Then see who works harder and does better.  Good bigs don't grow on trees. Brad Stevens is one of the best at developing talent.

[max215]

I don't understand how NBA teams didn't do psychological profiling, medical examination, fitness testing, and so on, to uncover the fact that Bennett is just not cut out to be an NBA player.

I understand that the pre-draft process is complicated and agents do their best to ensure their clients come off the best way possible, but still.  Seems like there were major red flags with Bennett.  His flaws are severe and rather obvious, since he's entered the league.  Hard to believe it wasn't possible for teams to see.

I don't think it was "teams," but rather the fountain of ineptitude that is the Cleveland basketball team.

[Denis998]

Can brad Evan-Turnerround Bennett?

[esel1000]

Never should have been taken 1st... But can someone please enlighten me as to what's wrong with this guy? I get he was overweight and had sleep apnea in Cleveland... But once traded to the Wolves he looked like he got himself into pretty good shape and played really well these past summers, had some impressive highlights. So what's his deal that he cant even earn a few regulation minutes? I'm really curious.

[GreenWarrior]

this is the perfect guy you take a chance on. now!

I say for the most part he's probably not any good. but we have a roster spot, maybe there's a chance he just hasn't been in a good situation. get him in here for the rest of the season, weather or not he makes it on the floor it doesn't matter, just get him in here and check 'em out in practices, see if he has bad habits, decide if he's worth bring back.

[slamtheking]

Anthony Bennett - has to now be the biggest bust of a #1 pick ever.

Think of where Cleveland would be if they had drafted Noel #1 as they should have done instead of picking this waste.
OR
think of where Minny would be if they had gotten Noel in that trade with Wiggins instead of Bennett with Wiggins.

Minny might not have been given Noel because Noel already had a lot more value than Bennett. Bennett was already looking like a bust before moving to Minny.

but, Noel missed time his first year.  he still may have been included with Wiggins for Love -- might have cost Cle a little less in other assets but Minny may have still gotten both

[SHAQATTACK]

Can brad Evan-Turnerround Bennett?

Nope

[PhoSita]

Never should have been taken 1st... But can someone please enlighten me as to what's wrong with this guy? I get he was overweight and had sleep apnea in Cleveland... But once traded to the Wolves he looked like he got himself into pretty good shape and played really well these past summers, had some impressive highlights. So what's his deal that he cant even earn a few regulation minutes? I'm really curious.

To paraphrase a point I saw on Twitter:

"In workouts, teams loved Bennett's three point shooting and toughness.  In the NBA, Bennett lacked confidence and couldn't shoot."

[jambr380]

So far, Bennett is the biggest bust ever. I get that he wasn't a consensus #1 pick, but [regardless] he was the #1 pick and he has been a total failure so far.

But, I don't think all is lost. While he probably shouldn't have gone #1, he was never going to slide past #8 or 9 because of the ceiling other teams saw in him. He may not be the next big thing, but high lottery selections are often give several chances to turn it around and it is entirely possible he finds a situation that works for him.

Turner is a nice example of what to expect from a player who didn't initially meet expectations, but found a situation in which he was comfortable. He doesn't need to be a star, he just needs to find a home.

[Dino Pitino]

Never should have been taken 1st... But can someone please enlighten me as to what's wrong with this guy? I get he was overweight and had sleep apnea in Cleveland... But once traded to the Wolves he looked like he got himself into pretty good shape and played really well these past summers, had some impressive highlights. So what's his deal that he cant even earn a few regulation minutes? I'm really curious.

To paraphrase a point I saw on Twitter:

"In workouts, teams loved Bennett's three point shooting and toughness.  In the NBA, Bennett lacked confidence and couldn't shoot."

Those sound like two things that can be rediscovered with the right [tommy]tutelage[/tommy]. Especially at that young of a "bust". I don't think it's possible to prove oneself a bust if your 4-year college career wouldn't have ended yet.

[Who]

He should go to Europe. Get real playing time and more coaching.

Come back to the NBA in a few years.

[chilidawg]

Turner was at least modestly successful out of the gate, Bennett has had no success whatsoever.  Big difference.

[mctyson]

He should go to Europe. Get real playing time and more coaching.

Come back to the NBA in a few years.

This.  Sometimes getting away from the bright lights and expectations of The Association and getting back to basketball only is the best thing to revive a guy's game.  Some people are just not cut out for this league.

Either that or put him permanently in the D-league and make him earn his time. 

[LarBrd33]

Hey, LarBrd!  Don't the Celtics have an open roster spot after waiving Lee?  It's our big opportunity to finally get this guy!!

Mike

We wouldn't have any minutes for him.  There's like 8 power forwards already on the team. 

[Redz]

#1 pick trivia sidebar.  Since the 1970 draft the Celtics have had 4 former top picks play for them.  Who are they?  (Kind of an easy one)