Closer look at: Anthony Bennett

[Lumthemad]

I'm not worried about the weight one bit. In fact, I'd rather have guys go into their rookie campaign a little heavier so they start to muscle up during work outs. These guys are 19-21 - weight fluctuates so quickly. Later in their career is when you have to start worrying about the extra offseason pounds.

I'd still draft him number 1 based on his talent and call it a day. You make a great point being a youngster and being able to mold the body quickly. I think this is the kid the Cavs need to add to their team based on the various skills he brings to the table.

I still cannot fathom how you let yourself get out of shape during the biggest moment of your life. I understand the injury hindering him working out fully....but still . That could ultimately be his biggest red flag. Will he ever take conditioning seriously or is the game just naturally easy for him and will this be an issue down the road?

 

[Baseline Runner]

Bennett is in the same mold of a Charles Barkley type Power Forward, someone who uses strength, speed and bulk to attack the basket and rebound, but whose lack of height hinders hurts his defense.

 

[Green Lantern]

It's not a lack of height that hurts Bennett's D, it's a lack of effort.

 

[Lumthemad]

It's not a lack of height that hurts Bennett's D, it's a lack of effort.

Agreed. If you watched him play he CAN play defense. He just tends to be not put forth the effort. This isn't uncommon with really talented offensive talents as we have seen firsthand more than a few times.

 

[Boom Outta Here]

Jeff Goodman @JeffGoodmanESPN
@chadfordinsider You are right -- I'd be more concerned with Bennett's height (or lack thereof) than his weight.

 

[Baseline Runner]

Although it seems unlikely, if Chris Grant somehow assess that Bennett is the best player in the draft I'd be okay with the pick. In recent years defensive bigs have actually become quite common but there are few talented offensive bigs, especially ones that can score in the paint. If Bennett is that player he'd be a potent combination with Kyrie and Waiters. A low post threat teaming up with talented scoring guards rarely is a failed combination (think Payton/Kemp, Ginobili/Parker and Duncan, KJ and Barkley, etc.)

 

[cavfanintexas]

Agreed. If you watched him play he CAN play defense. He just tends to be not put forth the effort. This isn't uncommon with really talented offensive talents as we have seen firsthand more than a few times.

you right, offense is fun defense is hard work, Bennett reminds me a of Speights he can play good D but it's to much effort to do it for the whole game.

 

[mrWalrus]

I think Bennett just lacks a defensive IQ rather than being abjectly lazy. He's shown the ability to be 'lock down' to rather good when his man has the ball. It's just that more times than not he doesn't know where to be in the half court and his willingness to get back has been quite suspect. Dare I say, because he was UNLV's main offensive weapon, he justified the mental lapses as 'conserving energy'. Still, in the right system, I think he'll be the contributor he's expected to be - the ability is there.

My other main gripe on Anthony's game is a current lack of a post game and his perchance to take outside shots first when on the perimeter. With him not having to be the main option on offense in CLE I think that'll really let his game start to grow. Through interviews you can tell he's the type of kid who likes to add new components to his game.

I like a lot of the other first round prospects, as I think there'll be a lot of solid contributors to come out of this draft, but Oladipo and this kid are 1a and 1b on my draft board.

 

[drewvr91]

All the talk in recent weeks is that Nerlens Noel and Alex Len are the heavy favorites to be the No. 1 pick in the 2013 NBA draft, with Otto Porter and even Victor Oladipo also being mentioned in some circles as more remote possibilities. But Anthony Bennett? Not so much.

As of Thursday morning, that could have all changed. Here's the surprising developments that could lead to the 6-foot-7½ combo forward being the first name called tonight.

ESPN's Jeff Goodman writes this morning, per a source, that Cleveland's front office likes Bennett more than anyone has let on. As last year's selection of Dion Waiters and the 2011 Tristan Thompson pick both showed, this is a franchise willing to go outside-the-box even with one of the top picks in the draft. Could they do it one more time? Here's Goodman with more.


Jeff Goodman
Bennett could be the frontcourt scorer Cleveland covets
"While Noel and Ukrainian 7-footer Alex Len appear to be the top options for Cleveland general manager Chris Grant, a source told ESPN that Anthony Bennett has more overall support in-house than anyone in the draft. Sure, there are critics crushing the former UNLV forward due to the fact his weight has ballooned in recent weeks following shoulder surgery. But the 6-foot-7½ (with shoes) Canadian has as much upside as just about anyone in the draft -- and the Cavs desperately need a big wing. Bennett also produced, averaging 17.6 points and 8.7 rebounds in his first 27 games before suffering the shoulder injury. Is Bennett the next Larry Johnson? That's the easy comparison since both played in Vegas, and there are some similarities. Both are undersized, versatile and strong and athletic. The Cavs have Kyrie Irving and Dion Waiters in the backcourt. They have Anderson Varejao and Tristan Thompson up front. There is a major need for a forward who can score. That's where Bennett comes in."

 

[willglam]

All the talk in recent weeks is that Nerlens Noel and Alex Len are the heavy favorites to be the No. 1 pick in the 2013 NBA draft, with Otto Porter and even Victor Oladipo also being mentioned in some circles as more remote possibilities. But Anthony Bennett? Not so much.

As of Thursday morning, that could have all changed. Here's the surprising developments that could lead to the 6-foot-7½ combo forward being the first name called tonight.

ESPN's Jeff Goodman writes this morning, per a source, that Cleveland's front office likes Bennett more than anyone has let on. As last year's selection of Dion Waiters and the 2011 Tristan Thompson pick both showed, this is a franchise willing to go outside-the-box even with one of the top picks in the draft. Could they do it one more time? Here's Goodman with more.


Jeff Goodman
Bennett could be the frontcourt scorer Cleveland covets
"While Noel and Ukrainian 7-footer Alex Len appear to be the top options for Cleveland general manager Chris Grant, a source told ESPN that Anthony Bennett has more overall support in-house than anyone in the draft. Sure, there are critics crushing the former UNLV forward due to the fact his weight has ballooned in recent weeks following shoulder surgery. But the 6-foot-7½ (with shoes) Canadian has as much upside as just about anyone in the draft -- and the Cavs desperately need a big wing. Bennett also produced, averaging 17.6 points and 8.7 rebounds in his first 27 games before suffering the shoulder injury. Is Bennett the next Larry Johnson? That's the easy comparison since both played in Vegas, and there are some similarities. Both are undersized, versatile and strong and athletic. The Cavs have Kyrie Irving and Dion Waiters in the backcourt. They have Anderson Varejao and Tristan Thompson up front. There is a major need for a forward who can score. That's where Bennett comes in."

Makes sense, but if the rumor is true that we're in play for Thomas Robinson then no need for Bennett. Just take Noel, scoring last season wasn't the teams problem it was defending the rim and getting stops on the defensive end...

 

[Steve_424]

All the talk in recent weeks is that Nerlens Noel and Alex Len are the heavy favorites to be the No. 1 pick in the 2013 NBA draft, with Otto Porter and even Victor Oladipo also being mentioned in some circles as more remote possibilities. But Anthony Bennett? Not so much.

As of Thursday morning, that could have all changed. Here's the surprising developments that could lead to the 6-foot-7½ combo forward being the first name called tonight.

ESPN's Jeff Goodman writes this morning, per a source, that Cleveland's front office likes Bennett more than anyone has let on. As last year's selection of Dion Waiters and the 2011 Tristan Thompson pick both showed, this is a franchise willing to go outside-the-box even with one of the top picks in the draft. Could they do it one more time? Here's Goodman with more.


Jeff Goodman
Bennett could be the frontcourt scorer Cleveland covets
"While Noel and Ukrainian 7-footer Alex Len appear to be the top options for Cleveland general manager Chris Grant, a source told ESPN that Anthony Bennett has more overall support in-house than anyone in the draft. Sure, there are critics crushing the former UNLV forward due to the fact his weight has ballooned in recent weeks following shoulder surgery. But the 6-foot-7½ (with shoes) Canadian has as much upside as just about anyone in the draft -- and the Cavs desperately need a big wing. Bennett also produced, averaging 17.6 points and 8.7 rebounds in his first 27 games before suffering the shoulder injury. Is Bennett the next Larry Johnson? That's the easy comparison since both played in Vegas, and there are some similarities. Both are undersized, versatile and strong and athletic. The Cavs have Kyrie Irving and Dion Waiters in the backcourt. They have Anderson Varejao and Tristan Thompson up front. There is a major need for a forward who can score. That's where Bennett comes in."

Good analysis, great avatar.

 

[brownsbuck6]

All the talk in recent weeks is that Nerlens Noel and Alex Len are the heavy favorites to be the No. 1 pick in the 2013 NBA draft, with Otto Porter and even Victor Oladipo also being mentioned in some circles as more remote possibilities. But Anthony Bennett? Not so much.

As of Thursday morning, that could have all changed. Here's the surprising developments that could lead to the 6-foot-7½ combo forward being the first name called tonight.

ESPN's Jeff Goodman writes this morning, per a source, that Cleveland's front office likes Bennett more than anyone has let on. As last year's selection of Dion Waiters and the 2011 Tristan Thompson pick both showed, this is a franchise willing to go outside-the-box even with one of the top picks in the draft. Could they do it one more time? Here's Goodman with more.


Jeff Goodman
Bennett could be the frontcourt scorer Cleveland covets
"While Noel and Ukrainian 7-footer Alex Len appear to be the top options for Cleveland general manager Chris Grant, a source told ESPN that Anthony Bennett has more overall support in-house than anyone in the draft. Sure, there are critics crushing the former UNLV forward due to the fact his weight has ballooned in recent weeks following shoulder surgery. But the 6-foot-7½ (with shoes) Canadian has as much upside as just about anyone in the draft -- and the Cavs desperately need a big wing. Bennett also produced, averaging 17.6 points and 8.7 rebounds in his first 27 games before suffering the shoulder injury. Is Bennett the next Larry Johnson? That's the easy comparison since both played in Vegas, and there are some similarities. Both are undersized, versatile and strong and athletic. The Cavs have Kyrie Irving and Dion Waiters in the backcourt. They have Anderson Varejao and Tristan Thompson up front. There is a major need for a forward who can score. That's where Bennett comes in."

You win the internets. Impressive post.

 

[The Edge]

WOW, when Bennett's name started gaining steam Wed. it reminded me of Dion being mentioned around the same time last year.
I'm not nearly as surprised as last year, or as Bill Simmons!

I wanted VO, but am happy I don't have to cross my fingers on Len or Noel.

 

[KingDelonte13]

A little Bio from SI

The Cavaliers selected Anthony Bennett with the No. 1 pick in the NBA draft on Thursday. Here’s a look at Bennett and how he fits with Cleveland:


Bio: UNLV | Freshman | Power Forward

Vitals: 6-7, 239 pounds

2012-13 Statistics: 15.8 points, 8 rebounds, 1.2 blocks, 52.6 percent shooting in 34 games.

Strengths: Bennett showed versatility in playing out of position as a center for part of his freshman season at UNLV. At his best, though, Bennett views himself as a stretch power forward because of his ability as a ball handler and perimeter shooter (he hit 36-of-96, or 37.5 percent, from three-point range last season). He’s also a capable finisher in transition and a quality rebounder. With his ball skills at his size, Bennett can create mismatches for defenses.


Weaknesses: Is he a small forward or power forward? Which position will he be able to guard in the NBA? Bennett is undersized as a power forward and could struggle to keep up with small forwards. A better post-up game would help round out his offensive game. Bennett missed pre-draft workouts and will be unavailable for summer league after having rotator cuff surgery on his left shoulder in early May, but he’s expected to be ready for next season. As for his asthma, Bennett downplayed concerns: “It’s not a big deal. It’s not like I’m the first one in the NBA to have it. It’s just something I’ve got to take care of.”

What Scouts Say: ”He got soft as the year went on. Why? His desire to play defense is another question. He’s a good athlete but not a great one. He’s going to be a better player in the pros than he was in college, because when he was in college he played with selfish teammates.”

Team Fit: The Cavaliers kicked off Thursday night’s draft with a major surprise: Bennett was seen as someone in recent days who might slide out of the top 10 picks. The first Canadian to be selected No. 1 overall, Bennett is undersized but possesses a strong, thick frame. The pick is particularly surprising, as the Cavaliers used the No. 4 pick in the 2011 draft to select Tristan Thompson, another power forward. Often compared to Larry Johnson, Bennett is a talented offensive player and a determined rebounder. Cleveland owner Dan Gilbert has made it clear he wants to make a run at the 2014 playoffs, and Bennet should be able to give strong rotation minutes immediately.

 

[Dr. Claw]

He's gonna be a good scoring option. I can only hope that Mike Brown is the magic ingredient that gets him to play defense.