Bennett to work out with SWAT

[mrhockey89]

I was reading this morning that Flip is sending Anthony Bennett to work out with Shabazz Muhammad's SWAT trainer from this offseason. This can only be a good thing for us, as well as Bennett.

[Camden [enjin:6601484]]

Is it SWAT? Or is it Navy Seals? For some reason, I thought it was the latter.

[mjs34]

Does it matter Cam?

I don't know why either would be any better than any other trainer. They aren't training on weapons out there. If he lost weight running on a treadmill and doing Yoga would still give the same results. I would much rather see video of him working on his handle and shooting to be honest.

The pic I saw of the trainer, had him wearing a scarf over his face working out in SF. How cold could it have been?

[Camden [enjin:6601484]]

I guess it doesn't, but I feel like I'd be more impressed if they were Seals. The things those guys have to go through are far more brutal than SWAT. Either way, the goal is for them to be in great shape. Shabazz looks great. I'd love to see Bennett get right too.

[longstrangetrip [enjin:6600564]]

Actually neither Seals or Swat...here's an article about the guy, Frank Matrisciano.

http://www.menshealth.com/fitness/frank-matrisciano-trainer

He's a weird guy with a killer workout...just look at Muhammad. While he does train Special Ops guys, his primary role is training basketball players. The article says that his workout is so tough that 70% don't come back for Day 2. Muhammad is an animal, so I'm not surprised he took everything Mastriciano gave him. But it will be interesting to see how Bennett (and Ronny) handle it. If Bennett goes through with the entire program, I will be much more optimistic about his future. It's a great move by Flip to suggest this for AB.

Let's not kid ourselves, though. While getting in better shape is always a good idea, it doesn't necessarily translate into better performance on the court. It's interesting that the article talks about Zach Randolph going through the program in the summer of 2011 and then leading Memphis into the playoffs. Actually Zach was injured most of 2011-12, and it was by far his worst season in the NBA.

[mrhockey89]

Weird, I'm 90% sure I saw SWAT on the article I read this morning, but I don't recall where I read it. I see he used to train SEALS now that I'm looking for it. Nevertheless, sjm is right, any rigorous workout regimen will be good for Bennett. Once the season comes it'll make regular workouts much easier. (oh man, I typed this while eating cookie dough)

[BizarroJerry [enjin:6592520]]

It's nice to see Flip showing some coaching leadership here. Not sure if Tired Rick would have suggested something like this.

[Monster]

I like all the optimism here but Derrick Williams worked hard too lost weight seemed to get in shape and did what he was asked and guess what he sucks.

I think Flip should get credit for being more innovative than some people gave him credit for but its not like the Wolves didn't encourage guys to work hard in the offseason or whatever.

That said its great that Bazz and Bennett 2 guys that will likely always need to work harder. Than some to keep their body lean doing something this hardcore. I hope Turiaf doesn't injure himself.

[bleedspeed]

This is good news. Bennett biggest problem last year was conditioning. This will only help. Derrick's problem was never realyl conditioning. He just didn't have IQ or motor to play.

[longstrangetrip [enjin:6600564]]

I agree, bleed...I see this as good news from two perspectives. First, as you said, it has to help Bennett with his conditioning. Secondly, he didn't have to go...it was just a suggestion by Flip. And it's such a grueling program, AB could have just told Flip he was staying with his own conditioning program. His agreement to go tells me that he is really focused on putting last year behind him, and having a terrific second year.