Cavs’ Mike Brown on Anthony Bennett: ‘I’m not going to give him a free pass’

Anthony Bennett is on pace to have the worst rookie season of any number one pick. To be fair to Bennett, he’s on a pretty bad team, and the Cavs refuse to send him to the D-League to get reps and mintues.

In last night’s blowout win over the Bucks, Bennett came in and had two points on 0/4 shooting and three fouls in five minutes of action.

That sure doesn’t sound like a number one pick.

Cavs’ coach Mike Brown has been on the hot seat all season, and he knows that every game could determine his fate. Brown also isn’t taking a light stance on his rookie forward.

Via The Cleveland Plain Dealer:

"“For me right here, this guy is going to succeed for us,” Brown said. “And I want touch him and feel him and much as possible.”He’s our top pick. He’s the No. 1 pick in the draft, so he’s going to get plenty of opportunity. I’m going to give him plenty of opportunity. But, as you can see, I’m not going to give him a free pass.”"

So they say he’s going to succeed, but they won’t send him to the D-League, and they won’t give him minutes if he messes up. That’s not a brilliant strategy. The D-League has been a useful tool for many teams and players, and the lack of willingness to send Bennett down seems stubborn and ignorant from both sides. This pick may end up haunting Cleveland for years to come.