Anthony Bennett Will Shed Bust Reputation With Resurgence in 2014: Whether he plays with the Cleveland Cavaliers, the Minnesota Timberwolves or some other as-yet-determined third team that helps to facilitate the long-rumored Kevin Love deal, via Chris Broussard of ESPN The Magazine, Anthony Bennett wont be called a bust after next season. We dont know for sure if any deal for Love will happen, although the aggressive Cavaliers and their desire to win and appease LeBron James cant be taken lightly. Because Bennett figures to be included in a deal that would bring Love to Ohio, its a possibility that the 21-year-olds second chance could take place with the Timberwolves. One season is always too early to put a bust label on a player—especially one who is so young. In this microwave society, we want it right now, and if whatever it is doesnt produce, it must be no good. So far in summer league play, Bennett is proving he might just have the it the Cavs were looking for when they selected him No. 1 overall in the 2013 NBA draft. In four games, Bennett is averaging 13.3 points and 7.8 rebounds a game. Those numbers are nice, but that alone isnt the reason Bennett looks to be headed for a better year. Confidence Over the course of the season during the 2014-15 campaign, Bennett looked as if he was seriously doubting his ability to play in the NBA. It seems funny that a kid with so much talent would ever question whether he belonged in the league. Thats what a series of bad games and a coaching staff that doesnt believe in you will do. Bennett got off to a horrific start as a rookie, and his minutes faded. Per James Herbert of CBS Sports, Jerome Williams, a former NBA player and member of the coaching staff for Bennetts high school basketball team, said this of his former players predicament: Its very hard to keep your confidence when you dont play because you need to see that ball go through the hoop, you need to be interacting with the fans, you need to be interacting with your teammates on the court. If not, youre sitting there and you dont feel like you belong. While effort and conditioning (more on that later) are certainly factors Bennett can control, the organization has a responsibility to cultivate talent. After all, it did just use the top pick in the draft to bring the kid in. A young player cant find his confidence from the bench, especially when hes taking a beating in the media. Maturity Bennett is still just a babe in his hoops journey, but he had to learn a lot from his tumultuous rookie year. When you see him in an interview now, he sounds more prepared and professional. Bennett understands whats expected of him and looks ready to deliver. Per Herbert, Bennett said: Its a business. You just gotta come out there and play hard because you never know when another player might take your spot. Conditioning Confidence and maturity arent the only differences you notice when you see Bennett nowadays. He is noticeably leaner, and that has made him more explosive. He was always a tweener, but when hes in shape, he has the dexterity to play small forward. Thats probably the position where hell find the most success in the NBA. Because hes physically strong and possesses a decent touch from outside, he can cause matchup problems for most small forwards. He still has the bulk and rebounding instincts to play power forward, but its not going to be the ideal spot for him long term. That said, he might actually benefit from a move to Minnesota. Lets face it, Bennett is never going to see a lot of clock at the 3 playing behind LeBron. While any player in his right mind would love to play with the King, Bennett might be one who needs to have his own success before he can appreciate being a part of a superstars supporting cast. In any case, the light has come on for Bennett. Barring injury next season, the league will see why the Cavs thought so highly of the young Canadian before last years draft. Follow me on Twitter. @BMaziqueFPBR Read more NBA news on BleacherReport #Basketball #NBA #NBACentral #ClevelandCavaliers #fantasybasketball
Posted on: Sun, 20 Jul 2014 06:46:08 +0000