Anthony Bennett heading overseas to continue career with Fenerbahce

In 2013 the Cleveland Cavaliers, in a surprising move, selected Runnin’ Rebels freshman power forward Anthony Bennett with the first overall pick. The 6’8” Canada native was an intriguing prospect, presenting a mix of size and skill that NBA teams covet, but he was still an unknown commodity, having only played one year of college basketball.

During that lone season in Las Vegas, Bennett averaged 16 points per game and shot a respectable 37% from 3-point range, but there were questions about his work ethic and overall basketball IQ. These questions, coupled with the fact he was close to 20 pounds over weight on draft night, led many to criticize the decision by the Cavaliers to select Bennett number one overall.

Well, after four years and four different teams, it seems those critics were right.

After being released by the Nets and not receiving any interest from other NBA teams, Bennett will be heading to play for Fenerbahce in Turkey. Fenerbahce competes in the Turkish Airlines Euroleague and are currently in 6th place in the 16 team league.

Bennetts stint in the league will lead many to declare him the biggest draft bust in NBA history for a number one pick. He played for four different teams in four year, Cleveland, Minnesota, Toronto and Brooklyn, playing in 151 games, averaging 4.4 points. He was never able to consistently showcase the versatile scoring ability that he did while at UNLV, and was a constant defensive liability every time he was on the floor.

The best game of his career game while he was with the Timberwolves, scoring a career high 20 points on 9-14 shooting.

Bennett will be joining two other former Mountain West stars, as both Khem Birch (UNLV) and Alex Kirk (New Mexico) play in the Euroleague. Birch plays for the third place Olympiacos Piraeus, while last week Kirk signed with Anadolu Efes.