The first Canadian number one pick who became a cautionary tale
In short: In 2013, Anthony Bennett made history as the first Canadian player selected first overall in the NBA draft. Yet, his journey from a highly touted prospect to being labeled one of the league's worst top picks is a startling study in the volatility of professional sports.
Before his historic draft night, Bennett was a dominant force in the college ranks. Playing for UNLV during the 2012–13 season, he averaged 16.1 points and 8.1 rebounds per game. His efficiency was remarkable, posting a PER of 28.3 and shooting 53.3% from the field. This performance, combined with his high school ranking as the #1 forward by ESPNU 100, made him a consensus superstar in the making.
However, his transition to the NBA was fraught with difficulty. After signing a $10.9 million contract with the Cleveland Cavaliers in August 2013, Bennett struggled to find his rhythm. He famously failed to score a single field goal until his fifth NBA game, missing his first 16 attempts. His struggle to reach double-digit scoring was unprecedented; it took him 33 games to achieve his first double-figure game, a span three times longer than any previous number-one pick.
The aftermath of his draft night saw a nomadic career across the globe. Following stints with the Timberwolves, Raptors, and Nets, Bennett moved through leagues in Turkey, Israel, Taiwan, and Korea. While he achieved significant success on the international stage—including a silver medal with the Canadian national team at the 2015 Pan American Games—his NBA career ended after only four seasons, leaving a legacy defined more by the weight of expectation than by statistical dominance.
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- Summary by Intellect · source: Anthony Bennett (basketball)
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