Anthony Bennett was one of the biggest busts in NBA history. The 23-year-old also arguably is the highest-upside free agent the Nets invited to this week’s mini-camp.
The top pick in the 2013 NBA Draft —who failed with Cleveland, Minnesota and most recently Toronto — is expected to be among the group of veterans working out in Brooklyn this week, according to ESPN.
For Bennett — who has suffered ankle, back and shoulder injuries, as well as questions about his drive and dedication — it may be his last, best chance.
The 6-foot-8 power forward out of UNLV was taken ahead of Giannis Antetokounmpo, C. J. McCollum, Victor Oladipo, and Steven Adams. But after averaging just 4.2 points and three rebounds in 12.8 minutes per game as a rookie, he was a piece in a multi-team deal the next July which landed the Cavaliers Kevin Love and the Timberwolves Andrew Wiggins.
Bennett wasn’t much better for the Timberwolves, averaging 5.2 points and 3.8 boards before eventually getting bought out. Bennett’s hometown Raptors offered him a lifeline and a one-year deal in September, but he played just 19 games for them this season and repeatedly was sent down to the D-League — the first No. 1 overall pick ever to play in the D-League.
Bennett finally was waived in March.
Brooklyn hasn’t released names of those invited to work out, but they reportedly will include Will Cummings, Jarrid Famous, Josh Magette, D.J. Newbill and Victor Rudd. All but Newbill have played both abroad and in the D-League.
New Jersey native Chris Fleming will become the fourth assistant on Kenny Atkinson’s coaching staff, according to Yahoo Sports. He will join lead assistant Jacque Vaughn, the former Magic coach, development expert Adam Harrington and Jordan Ott, whom Atkinson had worked with in Atlanta.
Fleming, who is from Lacey Township, was an offensive-minded assistant on Mike Malone’s staff in Denver. Like Atkinson, he both played and coached overseas, something the Nets’ new regime values.