Anthony Bennett

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Minneapolis/St. Paul – The Minnesota Timberwolves today announced the team has waived forward Anthony Bennett. With the move, Minnesota’s roster stands at 18 players.

“In speaking with Anthony and his representatives over the past few days, we came to the conclusion that this was the best outcome for both parties,” said Timberwolves general manager Milt Newton. ‘When you look at our team, our deepest position is probably power forward. This move balances out our roster while also allowing Anthony another opportunity in the NBA. He has a lot of talent and his play this summer internationally made this a difficult decision for us.

“During his short time here Anthony has carried himself with class and represented the franchise in a very professional manner. We thank him for his positive attitude and wish him the best of luck in his future endeavors.”

Acquired by the Wolves on August 23, 2014 as part of a three-team trade with Cleveland and Philadelphia, Bennett appeared in 57 games with Minnesota last season averaging 5.2 points in 15.7 minutes per game.

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Timberwolves Waive Forward Anthony Bennett

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Dane MizutaniWeb Editorial AssociateEmail / Twitter

Anthony Bennett and Shabazz Muhammad had no problem taking their shirts off at Wolves Media Day on Monday afternoon. They were both more than willing to show off their new-and-improved bodies.

Bennett and Muhammad are changed men compared to last season. That much was clear based on their work ethic throughout the first couple days of training camp in Mankato, and was maybe even more evident when just looking at them. 

Bennett, viewed as a chubby rookie last season, and Muhammad, seen as a heavier forward that could afford to lose a few pounds, both dropped some weight this offseason, and it already looks to be paying dividends. They’re leaner in frame, quicker on the floor, and endurance is no longer an issue for either player. 

“It’s definitely been a lot easier for me to run up and down,” Bennett said. “I played 20 minutes straight [at Dunks After Dark] and I didn’t really have a problem with it.” 

“I remember compared to last year just running up and down the floor feels great,” Muhammad added. “I’ve got my wind and that’s definitely something I really needed to improve.” 

Bennett and Muhammad dropped that weight after significant work this offseason with San Francisco based athletic trainer Frank Matrisciano. Matrisciano, who has trained likes of professional athletes to Navy SEALs, put them through intense training workouts using outside elements of in California as physical obstacles. Muhammad and veteran Ronny Turiaf trained there for about six weeks, and Bennett for about four weeks after he joined the Wolves in August.

It was unlike anything the trio had ever experienced before.

“I can't even pick one specific thing because everything that we did was super intense,” Bennett said when asked about the toughest part of his workouts with Matrisciano. “I can't really explain it. If I was explaining it people would thing I was crazy, but everything was hard.” 

Bennett said one of the toughest things was climbing the Santa Monica steps while carrying a 20-pound weight. Muhammad, on the other hand, said the most taxing part of the training regimen was the work with medicine balls.

“That was tough and now the basketball is so light,” Muhammad said. “It feels like I’m shooting from halfcourt because all I’ve been doing for the last month and a half is messing with the 50-pound medicine ball in the sand.”

Muhammad said there was a brief adjustment period he had to deal with after he returned from California, but said he feels great now.

“It didn’t feel right because it was so light,” he said. “Now that I’m shooting and getting used to it, I feel like I’m making the improvements I need to make.”

Bennett and Muhammad both left last season with room for improvement. They had forgettable rookie seasons to say the least. Bennett, plagued by injuries on the court and lofty expectations off the court, averaged just 4.3 points and 3.0 rebounds per game and was labeled a “bust” by many analysts. As for Muhammad, he withered away on the bench as former coach Rick Adelman refused to use his for most of the season. He was vastly underused and averaged a measly 3.9 points per game in just 37 contests.

Those struggles on the floor seemed to take a toll on both players, and by the end of the season, neither player looked like the wanted to be on the floor. That confidence was restored with the help of Matrisciano this offseason.

“I learned a lot about myself,” Bennett said. “I learned that I can push myself through extreme measures. That stuff that he had us doing I had never done in my life and just to see myself be able to do that stuff ... it proves that I can do anything I put my mind to.” 

There’s a very good chance that Bennett and Muhammad could help shoulder the load for the second unit this season. Bennett will more than likely play, and learn, behind Thad Young, and Muhammad should work in behind Corey Brewer and Andrew Wiggins. Bennett has shown flashes, and Muhammad has looked impressive, and aggressive, throughout the first two days of training camp.

Flip Saunders sees potential in both players. He drafted Muhammad last year, and made sure he got Bennett as a part of the Kevin Love-Andrew Wiggins deal last month.

“He is like a canvas that hasn’t been painted yet,” Saunders said of Bennett. “He’s got a lot of paint brushes [and] what we’ve got to do is just get him to do the things that he does.”

Muhammad also has “a lot of paint brushes” and seems excited to be in position to actualize that potential this season.

“I feel great,” he said. “I know [Bennett] is feeling great, too. This is probably the best I’ve felt in my NBA career. I’m ready to get rolling.”

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New and Improved: Anthony Bennett and Shabazz Muhammad

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Photo Gallery: Bennett In Minnesota

It’s hard to believe that the Wolves made one of the biggest trades in NBA history just eight days ago.

After everything that has gone on (you know, the State Fair, Children’s Hospital, mini Media Day, practices…), it seems like maybe a month. Or maybe it feels that way because of the media speculation on the move earlier this summer. Regardless, it’s over. Or is it just beginning?

This week was a busy one for the new Timberwolves (Anthony Bennett, Andrew Wiggins, Thaddeus Young, Zach LaVine), but also for some current Timberwolves. With all of the trade talk, we might have overlooked the fact that Gorgui Dieng, Ricky Rubio and J.J. Barea are all representing their countries in the FIBA World Cup.

By all accounts, it looked like it was a pretty successful week for not only the Timberwolves, but also the three acquired players in the Kevin Love trade.

Andrew Wiggins is playing for a team that actually wants him. He doesn’t have to wait for a trade or have to answer any questions about one. He told fans at the State Fair that Minnesota is a place he hopes to be for many, many years. We have a feeling Minnesota fans agree.

Anthony Bennett is getting a second chance after a disappointing rookie season. I won’t call it a wasted season because he learned things on and off the court that are going to help him in the future – even if his box scores last year didn't indicate it. He’s healthy, has lost some weight and he’s already given Wiggins some advice after being picked No. 1 overall. He told Wiggins not to let one bad game affect him for a week or two.

Thaddeus Young loved Philadelphia, but he was clearly disgruntled there and wasn’t a big fan of the direction the team was going. The Western Conference is a tough conference. I’m not sure if the Wolves are going to make the playoffs, but we thought Phoenix was going to be one of the worst teams in the league last season, remember? Minnesota will be exciting and fun. And they will probably win more games than the 76ers this season (then again, that’s not exactly saying a whole lot).

If Philadelphia trades for a post player with a torn ACL at midsesason, don’t be shocked…

These players seem to fit in pretty well. We’ll find out more when Training Camp starts at the end of September.

Dieng, Gorgui Looks Good                                   

When Gorgui Dieng received playing time late last season, he looking pretty good. Like grabbing 20 rebounds to go with 20 points good. He’s kept that up during the FIBA World Cup playing for Senegal. In three games, Dieng is averaging 22 points (4th in tournament play) to go with 11.7 rebounds (2nd). More importantly for him, Senegal is 2-1.

Minnesota of course has Ricky Rubio and J.J. Barea competing in the tournament as well. Barea is averaging 20 points per game (6th) and 4.3 assists (14th) in three games.  Rubio has Spain off to a 3-0 start. He’s averaging just 3.7 points per game, but he leads the team with six assists (3rd) and 2.3 steals (5th) per contest. He’s also hauling in 5.3 rebounds per game. 

Barea and his Puerto Rico squad will next play the Philippines, Senegal will match up against Argentina and Rubio’s Spain squad will play France. All games are scheduled for Wednesday.

Make sure to head to Twolves.com for updates on each player in the tournament.

Compared to last week? Pretty much nothing…

Expect in-depth features on Young, LaVine, Wiggins and Bennett. We will also update on the FIBA World Cup. I also hear the Timberwovles Entertainment Network has some pretty awesome content this week.

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Reminiscing With Ratke: Busy Week For New Wolves, FIBA Action and More

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Top-5 Items At The Wolves Pro Shop

It sure didn’t take much time for the newest members of the Minnesota Timberwolves to start giving back to the community.

On Wednesday morning, Andrew Wiggins, Anthony Bennett, Zach LaVine and Thaddeus Young visited the Minneapolis Children’s Hospital. Crunch also attended the event.

“We were so excited to have the Timberwolves and Crunch here,” said Senior Director of Child and Family Services Joy Johnson-Lind. “And we know it’s a huge opportunity for our kids and families and we just can’t say enough how much we appreciate the players taking some time out of their busy day and schedule to come to make a difference in the lives of our patients.”

The four appeared on a live show that was streamed to the rooms in the hospital. They took calls from patients and went through the basics of basketball with a man they call “The Dude.”

After, the crew went upstairs to color and chat with patients. This also included free Timberwolves gear and autographs for the patients. It was evident early on that the day of each child was made a bit better by the Wolves simply taking time out of their day to visit these kids, having them know that they do indeed care.

“It’s very important,” Young said. “I want them to see that I’m not just a basketball player. That us as a team, we’re not just basketball players. We’re guys who want to help the city, want to help the kids, we want to help people grow just like we’re growing at the same time.”

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New Wolves Visit Children's Hospital

The Minnesota Timberwolves introduced the “new age” of Wolves basketball to the fine folks at the Minnesota State Fair yesterday. There were cookies, farm animals, pretty much everything on a stick and our close and personal friend Sid Hartman seemed to be everywhere.

For only being on the ground for four hours, this new foursome certainly made their presence felt through the fans. Whether it was on a giant slide, taking a selfie or eating fried alligator, these new four players look like they are already warming up to Minnesota.

Here are our top-four memories from yesterday’s time at the State Fair:

After being introduced to the State Fair crowd and bombarded with questions from the media, the Wolves were off to start their media tour. But not so fast. Anthony Bennett looked at Thaddeus Young and said, “Wait, man. Didn’t you wanna take a selfie?”

A big thanks to Will for documenting history.

Fun Fact: Earlier in the day, Bennett took a selfie to post on the Wolves social media channels. He told us it was the first time he’s ever taken a selfie. If I’m a Wolves fan, I’m impressed.

Throughout the day, LaVine was pretty much all over. I’m not sure if words can do LaVine justice. These pictures speak for themselves.

He asked after how long the Fair goes until. I have a feeling he might make another trip there before it’s over. Keep your eyes open for a 6’5 dude on the Crazy Mouse.

He’s calm, cool and collected. He’s asked if he’s shy more than most people. On KFAN yesterday, he told Dan Barreiro that he thinks he’s already stepped out of his shell. This is who he is.  Wiggins can’t control his personality. There will always be pressure for him to be more outgoing from the external people, which is fine. Wiggins is 19 years old and he knows that the most important thing he’s going to do in this league is on the basketball court. He knows who he is.

The craziest thing about this is that Wiggins and LaVine are pretty good friends and have been since the beginning of the draft process. LaVine is an outgoing guy (see above) and he’s cool and collected in his own way. Opposites attract, I suppose.

Bennett is sometimes thought of as an afterthought of Saturday’s trade, but don’t forget he was the No.1  pick last season for a reason. Bennett, like Wiggins, has a bit of a laid back personality. Maybe it’s a Canadian thing.

We did get a laugh out of him before the Fair. A fan asked via Twitter if we could start calling him “Big Daddy Canada.” He laughed and said, “Whatever floats your boat.”

Make sure to check back in on the site for exclusive content coming from yesterday’s Fair and more!

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Top Highlights From The State Fair

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Photo Gallery: Mini Media Day

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