Minnesota Timberwolves: Anthony Bennett off to a good start

Anthony Bennett getting started in a good way

While most of the hype in Minnesota is directed toward Andrew Wiggins, who scored 18 points on 4 of 11 field goals in the Timberwolves preseason opener Tuesday, another former No. 1 overall pick by the Cleveland Cavaliers has also been encouraging, and that’s Anthony Bennett.

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As Fox Sports is reporting, Minnesota head coach Flip Saunders is high on Bennett, who didn’t play in Minnesota’s preseason opener due to a leg injury. Bennett had a rocky start to his career in his one season in Cleveland in which he dealt with different injuries. He has lost 10 pounds this offseason to get his body in better condition for the wear and tear of 82 games.

"“He’s like a canvas that hasn’t been painted yet,” Saunders said. Indeed, it’s almost like Bennett gets to start all over again, even though his rookie status is behind him.…“The UNLV product has dropped about 10 pounds and has been one of the biggest surprises of training camp, thanks in no small part an improved jump shot. Bennett also appears to be benefitting from LASIK surgery and procedures to remove his tonsils and adenoids.”"

Bennett was certainly a surprise to be taken first overall a couple of seasons ago. He’s not a franchise player and doesn’t project to be. His draft status aside, Bennett does project to be a solid stretch-4 who can put the ball on the floor. If he improves his jump shot, which he struggled with last season, it could help the Timberwolves replace a little bit of what Kevin Love did. Minnesota has minutes available at power forward, and it will be up to Bennett to earn them.

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