Anthony Bennett, the 1st pick of the 2013 NBA draft, has signed with the Toronto Raptors after being waived by the Minnesota Timberwolves last week.
The Toronto native, originally drafted by the Cleveland Cavaliers, struggled during his rookie season before being sent to the Timberwolves with Andrew Wiggins in exchange for Kevin Love. Bennett will clear waivers and sign a one-year minimum contract with the Raptors, per CBS Sports.
Raptors coach Dwane Casey seemed optimistic about Bennett’s signing.
“He's a super young man and a young talent,” Casey said. “He's only 22 years old, and it was a good situation for us to bring him back. Not only because he's Canadian, because he's a very talented young man who needs a good opportunity.”
General manager Masai Ujiri also believed that Bennett, who played this summer with Team Canada, could find a home in Toronto, saying, “He's going to have to work, but I think he's up for the challenge.”
Bennett, who averaged 5.2 points and 3.8 rebounds last season, will make $947,276 this year with the Raptors, per ESPN.
“Honestly, I feel like Team Canada helped me out a whole lot,” Bennett said. “Just playing, the confidence, healthy again. Just going out there and playing with a clear mind. I feel like that is what I need to get back to.”