In the 2013 NBA Draft, the Cleveland Cavaliers surprised everyone by selecting Anthony Bennett first overall, ahead of Nerlens Noel, Alex Len, and Victor Oladipo who were also rumored to be on the team’s radar.
After issues with confidence, playing time, injuries and whatnot, the decision turned out as one of the worst for Cleveland in recent memory and the power forward out of UNLV became known to many as one of the biggest, if not the biggest, draft busts of all time.
Three years, three teams, and a wave of mockery after, Bennett has finally gotten a new lease on his career after being picked up by the Brooklyn Nets. Similar to him, the Nets have basically nothing to lose in the acquisition as they are essentially playing for nothing this year – even ping pong balls.
In an article by Brian Lewis for the New York Post, the Canadian national team member talked about the “bust” label and how it affects his mentality at this stage.
“I have other motivation, other things that push me. Obviously, it does somewhat. But I wouldn't say that's my main focus, to turn everybody's opinion around. … I really pretty much don't pay attention to it. It's a process. It's not a sprint, it's a marathon.”
For all the insults that have been hurled his way, let’s not forget that Anthony Bennett is only 23 years old. Armed with a decent skillset and healthy physique, the young man still has a lot of opportunities to get better, and given the right opportunity under the perfect situation, he could be having the last laugh instead.
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