LAS VEGAS – In his first Summer League, it seems like the weight of the world has been lifted off Anthony Bennett’s shoulders.
In the city he once called home and the arena he once shined so brightly that the Cleveland Cavaliers made him the unexpected top pick of the 2013 NBA draft, Bennett is playing loose, having fun and suddenly showing the athleticism and versatility that made him such an intriguing prospect in the first place.
After scoring 15 points and grabbing seven rebounds in Cleveland’s Summer League opener, Bennett had an impressive 13 points on 5-of-8 shooting and 14 rebounds in Sunday’s win over San Antonio. Following his first made baskets in the opening quarter, Bennett ran to the other end of the court with his arms swinging joyously, his head held high and the partisan crowd roaring its approval.
It helps Bennett that the team’s new coaching staff wants him to forget about last year.
“Anthony came in with a clean slate,” new coach David Blatt said. “Physically, he clearly worked hard. And I think that’s the most important thing, to get in shape and be the kind of player he can be. Last year’s in the past. We’re looking ahead and I really hope and believe that Anthony can be a big part of what’s ahead.”
Bennett injured his shoulder and missed last year’s Summer League, normally precious experience for rookies looking to get their feet wet in a professional atmosphere. In training camp, he was diagnosed with sleep apnea. Then the Canadian struggled from the outset with a Cavaliers squad that had high expectations for him.
His poor play elicited caustic but fair criticism around the league. One writer even called Bennett’s season the worst rookie campaign for a top pick in league history. Bennett’s body language was terrible on and off the court, and he admitted that he wasn’t enjoying himself at times last season.
“You know, I was just putting a lot of pressure on myself,” Bennett told SheridanHoops. “Things weren’t going right for me, and you know everything was just collapsing and building up. I got down on myself and I spoke to the coaches about that, and they helped me out a lot. Just coming back and keep working.”
Comfortable and feeling much less pressure with LeBron James and Kyrie Irving as the focal points, Bennett can just solely focus on staying fit and improving his game.
Matthew Dellavedova, his fellow rookie teammate last season in Cleveland, noticed that the expectations got to Bennett but he could tell that Bennett is feeling a lot less pressure now.
“You could see he’s having a lot more fun, more relaxed and he’s doing a good job,” Dellavedova said.
Since the end of the season, Bennett has lost 20 pounds. He looks calm and composed here in Las Vegas, which could signify a turnaround in his development.
“I just want to go out there and prove to everybody I can play,” Bennett said. “Last year was kind of a setback for me because of the shoulder stuff, but I’m trying to put that in the past and come out here and have some fun.”
Blatt jokingly asked reporters if Sunday was the “Anthony Bennett Show” based on all the questions he was asked. Blatt said that Bennett has worked hard to get himself in shape and has been good since he was named head coach.
” He’s really trying to do a lot of things on the court to help the team win and not being under pressure just to stay on the floor,” Blatt said. “It’s a work in progress, but he’s doing a great job and I hope he continues on the same path.”
It also helps that Bennett feels comfortable in his home environment. He said that his high school and AAU coaches were in the stands along with some of his high school teachers.
“I just want to go out there and just have fun,” he said. “That’s what I’m trying to get back to. Just having fun.”
Dellavedova also noticed that Bennett’s cautious and passive play has disappeared, replaced by the player the Cavs were hoping to see all along.
“He’s gotten himself in better shape, firstly, and he’s been more aggressive,” Dellavedova told SheridanHoops. “He’s rebounding better, obviously, but he’s making plays for other people. He had a couple of nice drives and passes. He’s worked really hard on his game and it’s good to see it pay off for him.”
Since Blatt has taken over as coach, he has seen what Bennett can do and what the future can hold for him.
“Anthony has the ability to do a lot of things,” Blatt said. “He can play with his face to the basket, he can play with his back to the basket, and it’s very important that he feels comfortable and that he tries not to hurry. As long as he makes good decisions, he’s in a good place.”
Next to LeBron James and Kyrie Irving, and out from under the weight of expectations.
Shlomo Sprung is a national columnist for SheridanHoops who loves advanced statistics and the way they explain what happens on the court. He is also the web editor of the Brooklyn Daily Eagle. A 2011 graduate of Columbia University’s Journalism School, he has previously worked for the New York Knicks, The Sporting News, Business Insider and other publications. His website is SprungOnSports.com. You should follow him on Twitter.