Forward Anthony Bennett, who was waived by the Nets two days ago, has signed with Fenerbache Istanbul of Turkey, international journalist David Pick tweets. Fenerbache will announce the signing as early as Friday, Pick adds in a separate tweet.
Bennett’s decision to go overseas adds another twist to the saga of one of the biggest draft busts in NBA history. The 2013 No. 1 overall pick of the Cavaliers has passed through four NBA organizations, the latest being one of the league’s worst teams. The Nets parted ways with Bennett to make room for another forward, Quincy Acy.
Bennett became an unrestricted free agent on Wednesday after passing through waivers.
This past off-season, Bennett signed a two-year contract deal with the Nets, including a fully-guaranteed $1MM this season. Brooklyn gave him a chance to reestablish himself, as he appeared in 23 games, including one start. He failed to make a strong enough impression while averaging 5.0 points and 3.4 rebounds in 11.5 minutes.
Still just 24, Bennett has appeared in a total of 151 games for the Cavaliers, Timberwolves, Raptors and Nets, averaging 4.4 PPG and 3.1 RPG in 12.6 minutes per contest.
Bennett’s ties with the GM of the Canadian national team, Maurizio Gherardini, led him to Fenerbahce, Pick adds. Gherardini also has an association with the Turkish team.
Ker plunk.
I can imagine some Turkish game announcer version of an NBA intro…. like “HE’S THE FORMER #1 OVERALL PICK BY THE CLEVELAND CAVILERS, LEBR-er Anthony Bennett.”