NBA: All-Sophomore team for 2014-2015

Philadelphia 76ers guard Michael Carter-Williams (1) defends the dribble of Orlando Magic guard Victor Oladipo (5) during the first quarter at the Wells Fargo Center. The Sixers defeated the Magic 126-125 in double overtime. Mandatory Credit: Howard Smith-USA TODAY Sports /

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Cleveland Cavaliers forward Anthony Bennett (15) dunks the ball against the Toronto Raptors at Air Canada Centre. Mandatory Credit: Tom Szczerbowski-USA TODAY Sports /

Forward – Anthony Bennett, Cleveland Cavaliers

Although Bennett is currently a member of the Cavs, he is expected to be playing in Minnesota or Philadelphia (depending on trade ramifications) next season, and he should take a giant leap forward. However, it wouldn’t be difficult to make great strides from where he came from, as Bennett was arguably one of the worst players in the NBA as a rookie while averaging just 4.2 points and 3.0 rebounds and shooting 35.6% from the field and 24.5% from 3-point range.

As a rookie, the top overall pick in the 2013 NBA Draft was plainly out of shape, and as a result, he was behind the curve from the first jump ball of the season. Bennett was never able to recover physically, and as a result, his somewhat raw pedigree shined through in a negative way, with the worst parts of his game on full display. However, the former UNLV star did shoot 47.3% from the field after the All-Star break (albeit in a small sample), and there were at least faint signs of life.

Then, Bennett arrived as a member of Cleveland’s Summer League team in Las Vegas, and he showed great progression. Most importantly, his body appears to be in reasonable (if not good) shape, and that allows the super athletic forward to fly around, rebound at a high level and potentially become an impactful defender. It is a bit of leap to project him as a member of the “All-Sophomore” team, but the future is bright if that physical development continues.

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