When Antony Bennett agreed to a buyout with the Minnesota Timberwolves earlier this offseason it was reported that he would likely go to a team that would offer him a chance for playing time. With that in mind it seemed as though the Toronto Raptors weren't an option for him despite the fact that Bennett is from Toronto. Bennett chose to go to the Raptors anyway due to the comfortability he has with the city and now he is going to have to work for his playing time and so far head coach Dwane Casey has liked what he sees from him on defense, according to Josh Lewenberg of TSN.
Bennett did not come into the NBA known as a defender, the thought on him was that he would be a mismatch on offense as he could score both inside and outside but Casey said he was surprised to find out that he may actually be better on defense than offense right now.
"One thing that has impressed me is his defense. His defense is ahead of his offense. That was a surprise. I didn't know he was as good a defender as he's showed since we've had him, which has been very impressive. And that's helped get ingratiated with his teammates and the staff. He's done a good job," said Casey.
The former number one overall pick may still have trouble finding minutes despite his impressive play so far this preseason though. The Raptors have yet to declare a starting power forward for this season which may seem like a good sign for Bennett but it really isn't because they have a few options that are ahead of him on the depth chart.
Patrick Patterson is the favorite to start at power forward even though he has had a poor preseason. Behind Patterson the Raptors have Luis Scola and James Johnson who are expected to be in the rotation and Casey has said he wants to go small from time to time which could mean DeMarre Carroll at the four.
As of right now it seems as though Bennett might be their fourth or fifth option for minutes at power forward but the 22 year old has a lot of talent and was a projected top ten pick for a reason. The fact that Bennett is impressing on defense is a good sign for him moving forward but he is going to have to get his total game together if he wants to play a significant role for the Raptors this season.
