Anthony Bennett a star pick in this draft? What you believe

[sfam]

I, as a Suns' fan want Oladipo or Bennet, unless Mclemore falls in place/because of Oladipo...with that. Bennett per scouts is a skilled PF... He is undersized only in height, but that is neutralized by his length, athleticism, and strength. Bennett was just a freshman last year, so a lot of his deficiencies can be cured....

I think he is a Type A player that his young and doesn't try hard all the time, but I don't think that is his character like Cousins. Bennett seems affable to me.

Any player can become a star (see Paul George). I think the only people Bennett will surprise if he reaches stardom are the fans, not the scouts, because the only negatives (outside the norm) I am hearing are from the fans!

said ESPN's Fran Fraschilla,: a longtime collegiate head coach who was an assistant coach at Ohio State and Ohio University. "To me, I actually have him rated at the top of my draft board because of his tremendous rebounding instincts. He's got two great (skills). I shouldn't say great. In this draft there is nobody with any great skills, but he is an above-average rebounder and an above-average shooter.

"So I don't think it's going to affect Anthony from going anywhere in the top three, four or five.''

Speaking with Fraschilla on a conference call before the recent NBA combine in Chicago, ESPN's Chad Ford agreed.

"I think that means that there would probably be zero hit to his draft stock at all,'' Ford said. "I agree with Fran that to me he's a top-five pick in this draft and could very well be the best player in this draft.'

I guess these guys disagree with a lot of you.

+1
I really hope the Wizards take Bennet over Porter at #3. If so, I'd guess the Bobcats take Olapido. You might be looking at Burke, Zeller or Porter if that's the case. I think Burke will be pretty good though.

[EMG518]

I would take Zeller over Bennett

[Jazzfan12]

Those same guys thought that Thomas Robinson and Derrick Williams and Jan Vesely and Michael Beasley and Tyrus Thomas were future stars. Beasley and Tyrus actually topped Ford's draft boards.

Undersized 4s who try to be 3s almost never work out in the NBA.

[ManualRam]

I, as a Suns' fan want Oladipo or Bennet, unless Mclemore falls in place/because of Oladipo...with that. Bennett per scouts is a skilled PF... He is undersized only in height, but that is neutralized by his length, athleticism, and strength. Bennett was just a freshman last year, so a lot of his deficiencies can be cured....

I think he is a Type A player that his young and doesn't try hard all the time, but I don't think that is his character like Cousins. Bennett seems affable to me.

Any player can become a star (see Paul George). I think the only people Bennett will surprise if he reaches stardom are the fans, not the scouts, because the only negatives (outside the norm) I am hearing are from the fans!

said ESPN's Fran Fraschilla,: a longtime collegiate head coach who was an assistant coach at Ohio State and Ohio University. "To me, I actually have him rated at the top of my draft board because of his tremendous rebounding instincts. He's got two great (skills). I shouldn't say great. In this draft there is nobody with any great skills, but he is an above-average rebounder and an above-average shooter.

"So I don't think it's going to affect Anthony from going anywhere in the top three, four or five.''

Speaking with Fraschilla on a conference call before the recent NBA combine in Chicago, ESPN's Chad Ford agreed.

"I think that means that there would probably be zero hit to his draft stock at all,'' Ford said. "I agree with Fran that to me he's a top-five pick in this draft and could very well be the best player in this draft.'

I guess these guys disagree with a lot of you.

its not just casual fans of college ball. its fans of UNLV. fans who saw nearly every game of his and saw more of him than even fraschilla.
i've browsed the rebel boards and the consensus among them seems to be, not so glowing remarks about his effort, toughness (both mental and physical) and other intangibles, but thankful that he came since him going in the lotto will likely lead to more 5 star recruits at the program.

[sfam]

Those same guys thought that Thomas Robinson and Derrick Williams and Jan Vesely and Michael Beasley and Tyrus Thomas were future stars. Beasley and Tyrus actually topped Ford's draft boards.

Undersized 4s who try to be 3s almost never work out in the NBA.

This mantra has gotten tired. Dwill was played out of position, Beasely likes pot more than practice, Thomas has no motivation and Robinson hasn't tried to be a 3 (the jury is still out on whether he can play the 4 though). Bennett can clearly bang inside. Undersized PFs like Faried have worked out fine. That Bennett also has an outside shot and driving ability shouldn't be a negative.

[JMac1]

Those same guys thought that Thomas Robinson and Derrick Williams and Jan Vesely and Michael Beasley and Tyrus Thomas were future stars. Beasley and Tyrus actually topped Ford's draft boards.

Undersized 4s who try to be 3s almost never work out in the NBA.

This mantra has gotten tired. Dwill was played out of position, Beasely likes pot more than practice, Thomas has no motivation and Robinson hasn't tried to be a 3 (the jury is still out on whether he can play the 4 though). Bennett can clearly bang inside. Undersized PFs like Faried have worked out fine. That Bennett also has an outside shot and driving ability shouldn't be a negative.

Exactly....Just because you are not 6'10, you can't play PF....Tell David Lee and Kevin Love that.

imagine if we had the internet when Charles Barkley came out....man...they woul have said he was a SG!!

[JMac1]

+1
I really hope the Wizards take Bennet over Porter at #3. If so, I'd guess the Bobcats take Olapido. You might be looking at Burke, Zeller or Porter if that's the case. I think Burke will be pretty good though.

That would hurt. I want no parts of Porter. I'd go with CJ, Burke or even Len before Porter....

[Jazzfan12]

Those same guys thought that Thomas Robinson and Derrick Williams and Jan Vesely and Michael Beasley and Tyrus Thomas were future stars. Beasley and Tyrus actually topped Ford's draft boards.

Undersized 4s who try to be 3s almost never work out in the NBA.

This mantra has gotten tired. Dwill was played out of position, Beasely likes pot more than practice, Thomas has no motivation and Robinson hasn't tried to be a 3 (the jury is still out on whether he can play the 4 though). Bennett can clearly bang inside. Undersized PFs like Faried have worked out fine. That Bennett also has an outside shot and driving ability shouldn't be a negative.

Faried has no delusions of being a SF. Players can definitely succeed as undersized PFs, just not as undersized PFs who want to be SFs and dislike playing inside or playing hard or playing tough. Every good undersized PF in the NBA (aside from Josh Smith whose talent level far exceeds Bennett and who defends at a top tier level) plays super hard and is extremely physical bordering on dirty; Bennett is soft and lazy.

[teamjosh04]

There are a lot of question marks about Bennett outside of his size. Im not worried about his size - he is plenty big enough to play power forward in this league. Im worried about his assertiveness, physicality, effort, and ability to perform in the halfcourt.

[Joel Embust]

he's not really fat. he's just endomorphic with a roundish face. sean may was fat, Bennett is just a tank. if you're actually flabby it kills your athleticism but obviously doesnt affect Bennett.

If this is fat I'd love to be fat.

[sfam]

Those same guys thought that Thomas Robinson and Derrick Williams and Jan Vesely and Michael Beasley and Tyrus Thomas were future stars. Beasley and Tyrus actually topped Ford's draft boards.

Undersized 4s who try to be 3s almost never work out in the NBA.

This mantra has gotten tired. Dwill was played out of position, Beasely likes pot more than practice, Thomas has no motivation and Robinson hasn't tried to be a 3 (the jury is still out on whether he can play the 4 though). Bennett can clearly bang inside. Undersized PFs like Faried have worked out fine. That Bennett also has an outside shot and driving ability shouldn't be a negative.

Faried has no delusions of being a SF. Players can definitely succeed as undersized PFs, just not as undersized PFs who want to be SFs and dislike playing inside or playing hard or playing tough. Every good undersized PF in the NBA (aside from Josh Smith whose talent level far exceeds Bennett and who defends at a top tier level) plays super hard and is extremely physical bordering on dirty; Bennett is soft and lazy.

Just pointing put, you're changing your rationale for why Bennett sucks. First he wants to be an SF (not true, he literally powers people inside, gets good numbers of ORebs, etc), but now its because he's soft and lazy. I'm guessing you just don't like the dude.

[Jazzfan12]

This mantra has gotten tired. Dwill was played out of position, Beasely likes pot more than practice, Thomas has no motivation and Robinson hasn't tried to be a 3 (the jury is still out on whether he can play the 4 though). Bennett can clearly bang inside. Undersized PFs like Faried have worked out fine. That Bennett also has an outside shot and driving ability shouldn't be a negative.

Faried has no delusions of being a SF. Players can definitely succeed as undersized PFs, just not as undersized PFs who want to be SFs and dislike playing inside or playing hard or playing tough. Every good undersized PF in the NBA (aside from Josh Smith whose talent level far exceeds Bennett and who defends at a top tier level) plays super hard and is extremely physical bordering on dirty; Bennett is soft and lazy.

Just pointing put, you're changing your rationale for why Bennett sucks. First he wants to be an SF (not true, he literally powers people inside, gets good numbers of ORebs, etc), but now its because he's soft and lazy. I'm guessing you just don't like the dude.

Wanting to be a SF when you don't have the ability to play SF demonstrates being soft. There's a lot I don't like about Bennett because there's a lot saying he's going to bust.

[KembaWalker]

I dont see a problem with Bennett wanting incorporate wing type game. He knows a post up game at 6'7 isnt gonna be enough to get it done in the league. I dont see people crying about Kevin Love or Chris Bosh out there shooting 3s because they can hit them. So can Bennett. Attack the small guys, stretch out the big guys. It works for dozens of players in the league. Just because Beasley is a stoner idiot and Derrick Williams has been underwhelming doesn't mean Bennett will be a bust. Silly

[ManualRam]

I dont see a problem with Bennett wanting incorporate wing type game. He knows a post up game at 6'7 isnt gonna be enough to get it done in the league. I dont see people crying about Kevin Love or Chris Bosh out there shooting 3s because they can hit them. So can Bennett. Attack the small guys, stretch out the big guys. It works for dozens of players in the league. Just because Beasley is a stoner idiot and Derrick Williams has been underwhelming doesn't mean Bennett will be a bust. Silly

the problem with him wanting to be a wing is that he is a physical beast who wants to play a finesse game. his ability is maximized at the pf position, where he can explode past slower footed PFs off the dribble or bully the thinner PFs en route to the rim. at SF, his skills don't stand out as much. his explosiveness is less of an advantage and they'll be able to close out on him more under control. he doesnt like to post up either, so there goes that advantage. then there's the other side of the floor which...well, i don't think position matters since he's so terrible on that end, but i think he'd at least have a better chance checking PFs.
for a guy with his physical bulk and mass wanting to be a SF or (gasp) a SG says a lot about his mentality. it could mean that he doesn't want the physical play and doesn't want to do the dirty work that is associated with bigs. his soft play reinforces that notion.

[Superhuman]

I go to unlv and Bennett was in my music class in the fall semester. He seems like a really nice kid. There were other unlv basketball players there and they all seemed to sit with each other (and were very disruptive in class, always talking out loud and disrespecting the professor). Except for Bennett, he seemed reserved, always sitting by himself. Maybe he didn't want to associate himself with them because he knew he would be going pro some day? Anyways, it's just kinda cool to me that he was just another kid in my class, and now he's going to be playing in the best basketball league in the world.

Note: I absolutely hated his game while he was here. I just have this feeling that he's not going to succeed in the nba. But I guess I have a soft spot for him since we have something in common, so I'm pulling for him for that reason.

[Moooose]

It is hard to gauge Bennett based on his physicals and skill-set but to me, he is the most interesting prospect in the top 5. He's got decent handles, can stroke it from deep, and he can bang bodies in the paint. He's got star potential and if the right team picks him, I think he will do good in the league, maybe like a more fluid Paul Millsap.

[KembaWalker]

I dont see a problem with Bennett wanting incorporate wing type game. He knows a post up game at 6'7 isnt gonna be enough to get it done in the league. I dont see people crying about Kevin Love or Chris Bosh out there shooting 3s because they can hit them. So can Bennett. Attack the small guys, stretch out the big guys. It works for dozens of players in the league. Just because Beasley is a stoner idiot and Derrick Williams has been underwhelming doesn't mean Bennett will be a bust. Silly

the problem with him wanting to be a wing is that he is a physical beast who wants to play a finesse game. his ability is maximized at the pf position, where he can explode past slower footed PFs off the dribble or bully the thinner PFs en route to the rim. at SF, his skills don't stand out as much. his explosiveness is less of an advantage and they'll be able to close out on him more under control. he doesnt like to post up either, so there goes that advantage. then there's the other side of the floor which...well, i don't think position matters since he's so terrible on that end, but i think he'd at least have a better chance checking PFs.
for a guy with his physical bulk and mass wanting to be a SF or (gasp) a SG says a lot about his mentality. it could mean that he doesn't want the physical play and doesn't want to do the dirty work that is associated with bigs. his soft play reinforces that notion.

he does plenty of dirty work as a good offensive rebounder and solid overall rebounder. He's not afraid of contact or being physical and dunks the hell out of the ball on top of people when its there to take. seriously, dismissing a young undersized big for working on his faceup and mid/long range game is so backwards and old. He wouldn't be anywhere near maximizing his potential if he was only focused on his post game.

If he did what you wanted him to do I'm sure you and others would complain that all he does is bully smaller college kids around in the paint and it won't work in the pros. He NEEDS that shot because he NEEDS to draw people out of the paint if he's gonna get by them to attack the rim.

[ManualRam]

I dont see a problem with Bennett wanting incorporate wing type game. He knows a post up game at 6'7 isnt gonna be enough to get it done in the league. I dont see people crying about Kevin Love or Chris Bosh out there shooting 3s because they can hit them. So can Bennett. Attack the small guys, stretch out the big guys. It works for dozens of players in the league. Just because Beasley is a stoner idiot and Derrick Williams has been underwhelming doesn't mean Bennett will be a bust. Silly

the problem with him wanting to be a wing is that he is a physical beast who wants to play a finesse game. his ability is maximized at the pf position, where he can explode past slower footed PFs off the dribble or bully the thinner PFs en route to the rim. at SF, his skills don't stand out as much. his explosiveness is less of an advantage and they'll be able to close out on him more under control. he doesnt like to post up either, so there goes that advantage. then there's the other side of the floor which...well, i don't think position matters since he's so terrible on that end, but i think he'd at least have a better chance checking PFs.
for a guy with his physical bulk and mass wanting to be a SF or (gasp) a SG says a lot about his mentality. it could mean that he doesn't want the physical play and doesn't want to do the dirty work that is associated with bigs. his soft play reinforces that notion.

he does plenty of dirty work as a good offensive rebounder and solid overall rebounder. He's not afraid of contact or being physical and dunks the hell out of the ball on top of people when its there to take. seriously, dismissing a young undersized big for working on his faceup and mid/long range game is so backwards and old. He wouldn't be anywhere near maximizing his potential if he was only focused on his post game.

If he did what you wanted him to do I'm sure you and others would complain that all he does is bully smaller college kids around in the paint and it won't work in the pros. He NEEDS that shot because he NEEDS to draw people out of the paint if he's gonna get by them to attack the rim.

no, he really doesn't do a whole lot of dirty work. he actually does a whole lot of standing around, ball-watching and getting outworked. he's not afraid of contact when attacking the rim, but you won't often see him fighting for position, doing the other little physical things like setting good picks. boxing out, sealing, etc. he avoids contact when he can.

nobody's dismissing his face up game. his offensive game is a necessity, but we've all seen this before. there's a difference b/t a player working on his skill game, which there is nothing wrong with, and a big outright seeing himself as a SF or SG. his game belies his physical stature. you'd figure a guy with his build would be a physical beast, but he's not. he has a soft game that follows his soft mentality.

[richn4]

FWIW when you adjust for minutes (he only played around 27mpg) he ranks 7th amongst all power forwards and 16th overall in rebounding and of course a few of the guys ahead of him Hagins, Kazemi, Howell won't get drafted or even make the NBA. I think Hollinger said that rebounding was the most "translatable" stat when moving from college to the next level.

[mcfly1204]

Bennett looks like he can end up being the guy everyone thought/hoped Derrick Williams would be.