What Happened to Anthony Bennett? The Rise and Fall of the Biggest NBA Draft Bust

By Edcel Panganiban November 25, 2023 03:01

In the 2013 NBA Draft, Anthony Bennett was selected as the first overall pick by the Cleveland Cavaliers. However, his professional basketball career did not pan out as expected. Bennett struggled to secure his spot in the league and is widely regarded as the biggest draft bust in NBA history. Let's delve into the journey of Anthony Bennett and explore what transpired in his career.

Anthony Bennett entered the NBA with high expectations, but his development was slow. He failed to make a significant impact on the court, struggling to find his rhythm and confidence. After a disappointing rookie season with the Cavaliers, Bennett was traded to the Minnesota Timberwolves.

Unfortunately, Bennett's struggles persisted in his second year in the league. His performance was subpar, and he failed to live up to the expectations placed upon him. As a result, the Timberwolves waived him, marking the end of his tenure with the team.

In an attempt to revive his career, Bennett signed with the Toronto Raptors. However, he spent most of his time in the G League and was eventually waived by the Raptors. This marked a low point in Bennett's career, as he struggled to find a stable role in the NBA.

Bennett's last NBA team was the Brooklyn Nets, where he had a brief stint playing in only 23 games before being waived. The Nets signing Bennett was seen as a potential opportunity for him to rejuvenate his career, but unfortunately, it did not materialize.

Following his departure from the NBA, Bennett continued his basketball journey overseas. He played in Turkey and Israel, seeking opportunities to showcase his skills and regain his confidence. While his time abroad allowed him to gain valuable experience, it did not provide the breakthrough he desired.

Currently, Anthony Bennett is playing for Hsinchu JKO Lioneers in Taiwan. This new chapter in his career has been promising, as he has been performing well on the court. Bennett's numbers in Taiwan have been impressive, with averages of 22.6 points per game, 12.2 rebounds per game, and 3.3 steals per game. It seems that Bennett has found his stride and is making the most of this opportunity.

Anthony Bennett's struggles in the NBA have earned him the unfortunate title of the biggest draft bust in history. However, it is important to remember that the label does not define him entirely. The challenges and setbacks Bennett faced throughout his career have undoubtedly been difficult to navigate, but his resilience and dedication to the game are commendable.

Anthony Bennett's basketball journey has been a rollercoaster ride, marked by disappointment and resilience. While his time in the NBA may not have lived up to expectations, Bennett has continued to pursue his passion for the game. Now playing in Taiwan, he has shown glimpses of his potential and is making the most of the opportunity to showcase his skills. Regardless of his past struggles, Anthony Bennett's story serves as a reminder that setbacks do not define one's entire career.