Toronto Raptors Roster Rumors: Anthony Bennett Wants to Be Assigned to D-League
Anthony Bennett does not want to become one of the many players in the history of the league who ended up as being draft busts. The former number 1 overall pick of the 2013 NBA Draft hasn't proven himself in the NBA and has really been quite a disappointment.
Credit to him, though, he was the one who asked his new team, the Toronto Raptors, to have him assigned to the NBA D-League on Sunday. The move is seen as a way for him to get the playing time he needs in order to improve his game. As a member of the Raptors this year, he only played a total of nine games, logging in a mere 48 minutes of action.
Jeff Weltman, the team's vice president of basketball operations, said in a statement about the significance of Barnett's request. "Anthony came to us asking to use this double-header as an opportunity to work on his game. This is an example of how we envisioned using our D-League team to improve our players," he said.
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In his young career, Bennett already may see himself a journeyman, having already played in three teams since entering the league in 2013. He was drafted by the Cleveland Cavaliers, the same team that sent him to Minnesota along with other players in exchange for Kevin Love. He joined the Raptors this season.
The former UNLV standout was the top pick in a 2013 draft class comprising relatively unknown college prospects. However, the Cavaliers, which at that point were coached by Mike Brown, weren't really a good fit for him and a shoulder injury he suffered later in the season doomed his debut. He produced mediocre numbers as a rookie, averaging just 4.2 points and three rebounds in a little over 12 minutes of play.
However, the Raptors are hoping that the Canadian eventually will come out of his shell and show his true potential this year.
