Could Phoenix cut Bender? He’s looked pretty bad and they’ll need to cut two players to get down to 15. He has a team option for ‘19 that obviously won’t be picked up, and he’s buried on the depth chart this year and wouldn’t play anyway. I’m wondering because he fits Olsheys MO and (theoretically) also fits Stotts’ system. He’d also be eligible for a two way.
There’s a reason players are on two way deals. They have flaws, they’re not developed, etc. I’d take a chance on a lottery pick that hasn’t turned 21 yet.
Bender played in Israel before the draft and it was evident he's over hyped. still very young but I didn't see much in him
Not knowing Bender's personal story, it doesn't really make sense for a guy like that to play on a two way contract. He could go back to Europe and make so much more money. He'd probably only accept an actual full NBA contract. The only way that wouldn't be the case is if he is set on making the NBA thing work and is willing to grind it out in the G-League to make that happen. I could be wrong but Bender seems like the type who wouldn't want to deal with that grind.
It’s a lot easier to get back to Europe than it is to get back into the NBA. Europe will always be there as an option for Bender. While it’s a comfortable life, it’s nothing compared to the potential earnings in the NBA. Plus he’s still so young. Most guys that end up going back don’t do it until later in their careers. In this theoretical scenario, he’d still get paid his $4m, or whatever he’s set to make. Spending a couple months in the g league could be worth it as long as theres some sort of handshake agreement that eventually he would get converted (ala Baldwin) to a regular contract.
I’m gonna go a little outside of the box. Anthony Bennett. Yeah yeah bust, whatever. If he didn’t have desire, he wouldn’t be wasting his time in the G league. His numbers last year 14.3 ppg, 6.7 rpg, 2 spg, 1.8 apg, .470 FG %, 42% 3PT (on 6 attempts a game) 77 FT % Still only 25 and qualifies for a two way.
This sounds just like the type of player that needs Stotts and Portland. —- Bennett’s sudden shooting ability isn’t due to a technique change, or one-on-one work with a three-point specialist. It’s actually simple; he found something he’s been searching for his entire career. Confidence. “Just having someone there that believes in me and tells me to keep shooting is definitely great to have in your corner,” he said. “While I’ve been [in Maine], I definitely have that from everybody. Down the line from the coaches to the players. It’s definitely an important piece to anybody’s game, just having that confidence.” “Definitely a lot more comfortable,” Bennett said in regards to the corner shot. “Like I said, I’ve been working on it. Just working on the consistency as well. Coach gives me the confidence to take them. He draws up plays to shoot the corner three as well. Just having all that around me just shows that everybody is confident in my shooting ability.” In addition to having the entire team behind him and believing in his ability, Bennett cited the ability to play “carefree” as a huge reason for his numbers in the G League. “It’s definitely a big piece, especially in the system I’m in,” he said. “The coach that I’m playing under really cares about effort on the defensive end, or just effort in general. Just playing under that, playing under him and with these guys has kind of helped me to I guess, relax on the court, and play relaxed. The G League is definitely a place that I feel like you can come back and get your confidence.” With newfound confidence, Bennett still wants to prove that he’s no fluke. “Just being able to prove to myself that I’m here to stay,” he said. “That I got picked No. 1 for a reason. Just got to fix up on a couple of things and remain healthy. Just go out there, play carefree like I’ve been doing and remain confident.” https://www.ridiculousupside.com/2018/3/24/17160124/how-anthony-bennett-g-league-maine-red-claws-nba
Yeah know its easy to tear this idea up, like really easy... Anthony Bennett well he hasnt worked out, but yeah know what I wouldnt mind giving it a shot, its kind of an unconventional idea but if it works that’d be pretty fantastic.
I mean he looked better in the g league than biggie did, and it doesn’t take long to tell how much more athletic he is. And it’d be a two way contract. No downside. It’s just a little annoying seeing all these guys available that are better options than Biggie knowing deep down Neil isn't gonna do anything anyway.
Its an interesting idea. I dont know if I was a GM if I would want to give up on a 1st round pick after just one year either. It is definitely interesting.
It wouldn’t necessarily be giving up on swanigan. Yet. If he shits the bed again this year we let him go and have an in house replacement. A two way guy wouldn’t be eligible to spend the whole season in the nba anyway.
Neil should be all over Holmes if he gets cut. I’d cut Biggie in a second to make room if a two way wouldn’t work.
The one quote I will always remember about Anthony Bennett from an NBA scout. “His whole life, he rolled out of bed bigger, better, and more talented than everybody else. As soon as it was hard, it was over." Great quote. Oregon recruited him but he went to UNLV instead.
His constant criticism has become rediculous as almost every one of his posts is usually filled with some sort of dissing of Olshey. He is a broken record and one of the reasons i have avoided the Blazers forum this off season.
Yet the OT section is tolerable? heh. Im just kidding! Definitely ready for the regular season to start so we can get some new material.
lol, I know, but that's more or less what that section is designed for where as constant bitching about the same thing in the Blazer forum wears very thin. Once the season gets going I might look around at other sites and see how they are by comparison.
Moralistic O-Livers invade and start telling us what to do. I saw this coming when you first hit the beach. Keep telling it like it is, Scalma.
It’s as if I choose to be upset. I give (gave) credit to Olshey when its due. Sorry if I want my team to do better.