Reports surfaced on Friday that Anthony Bennett was working towards a contract with the Toronto Raptors, and today it became official. Sure, the team hasn’t made any announcement yet (that will likely happen tomorrow during Media Day), but who needs that when we have Shams Charania and Yahoo! Sports to confirm the news for us.
After physical exam today, Anthony Bennett has signed a one-year veteran minimum deal with the Toronto Raptors, league source tells Yahoo.
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) September 27, 2015
In less than a week the world went from expecting Bennett to once again receive heavy bench minutes from the Minnesota Timberwolves, to shockingly becoming the first top selection to hit the waiver wire so quickly in their career, to joining Cory Joseph as part of Toronto’s Canadian contingent. After all, it was just two years ago that the Cleveland Cavaliers went off the board and selected Bennett first overall, making him the first Canadian to have that honour. Since then, Bennett has failed to live up to the hope that typically comes with a number one pick, but is also still just 22 years old. Many are already calling Bennett the worst top selection in NBA history, and he might very well be, but the hope is that the Raptors can help Bennett unpack some of the potential that is so tantalizing. At 6’8″, 240lbs, with a 7’1″ wingspan and exceptional athleticism, Bennett seems to have the tools to prosper in the NBA In his rookie year he was a member of a very dysfunctional Cleveland Cavaliers team, highlited by Andrew Bynum’s mere presence, Mike Brown’s vacant stares, and Kyrie Irving and Dion Waiters fighting for possessions. He followed this by being a throw-in in the Kevin Love/Andrew Wiggins trade, and seemingly never being significantly wanted in Minnesota. Bennett becomes the third string Power Forward for the Raptors behind Patrick Patterson and Luis Scola, and will also compete for minutes with small-ball options like DeMarre and James Johnson. Minutes will not be force fed to Bennett considering the Raptors clear intent on competing this year, but there is room for them to be earned His numbers aren’t nearly as bad as his on-court appearance has looked, and after a summer with team Canada he is in the best shape of his life. At a salary of just over $947,000, the Raptors are making a minimum investment for a chance at a high reward. It’s now up to Bennett to make the most of this opportunity, and to do so without the weight of being a first overall pick. Update: From the man himself:
Glad to officially be a part of the Raptors organization, Excited to get this year started !!! #LetsGo — Anthony Bennett (@AnthonyBennett) September 27, 2015
https://instagram.com/p/8JZoMbqVYk/
Media Day is tomorrow, with training Camp opening on Tuesday, so Bennett won’t have long to wait.
