Minnesota Sports Forum

Maturity and experience affect shot selection. Some grow out of it and some don't.

I watched a few videos. He will be fine.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4DQt6xyg27E

The guy certainly has skills. The shooting coach might actually help him hit a higher % of his 3's. He looks pretty comfortable taking them and putting th ball on the floor. Surely he doesn't settle around the rim and goes up strong for the dunk

After watching that Bennett highlight video and then reviewing his 2014 stats, bleedseed, I can only conclude that a youtube highlight video could even make me look good!

Seriously, you can't completely discount Bennett's terrible rookie season, and yet I am still very high on him. I think he is going to be the biggest positive surprise this season. In reviewing this video and the more balanced draftexpress profile video, here are the positive things that jump out at me.

1) He is incredibly athletic, especially for a guy that was clearly carrying too much weight last season, and maybe in college too. He is very explosive around the basket. Imagine how much more explosive he will be after his SWAT training.

2) Although Flip has said he wants to limit his 3-point shooting, he clearly has a beautiful shooting stroke and had good success shooting threes in college. I agree that he can do more damage around the basket, but his 3-point shooting can make him a true stretch 4.

3) He is comfortable putting the ball on the floor with either hand. He looks to ne like a guy who has practiced a lot with his off hand, because he actually seems to favor his left hand in the open court and on drives to the basket.

4) His long arms make him play 3-4 inches taller. There are times on the offensive boards where he looks like he is playing against children.

That said, there are areas where he clearly needs to improve, and it's up to the coaching staff (and Bennett) to make sure he improves.

1) Shot selection. This was clearly an issue last year, and to some extent, also in college. I think AB is going to have to fight for minutes, and if he knows Flip will yank him for taking ill-advised shots, he should learn in a hurry

2) Use his long arms on the defensive end. He clearly uses his length to his advantage on the offensive boards, but it seems that his length and athleticism should make him a plus defender too. I an hoping Sam Mitchell takes AB under his wing and gets him to really stress defense.

3) Weight and conditioning. Bennett seems to be the kind of guy who will always have to work to keep his weight down. It looks like he is going to show up in great shape, but can he maintain that conditioning?

So much promise, and so many questions.