TORONTO — The Toronto Raptors are doubling their Canadian content with a former No. 1 overall draft pick.
Brampton-born forward Anthony Bennett confirmed Sunday that he has joined Toronto’s NBA club after being released by the Minnesota Timberwolves.
The 2013 draft pick has struggled in his short career. Injuries and respiratory problems hampered his rookie campaign with the Cleveland Cavaliers, where he averaged just 4.2 points and 3.0 rebounds in 52 games.
A trade to Minnesota didn’t improve his situation, as he averaged 5.2 points and shot 42 per cent while averaging 15 minutes per game.
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After a promising summer spent playing for Canada in the FIBA Americas tournament, Bennett pushed hard for his release from the Timberwolves, a team with a glut of frontcourt players.
He joins fellow Torontonian Cory Joseph on a roster that has seen significant changes since the team’s 2015 playoff flameout, a 4-0 first-round sweep at the hands of the Washington Wizards.
With files from the Associated Press
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