Former No.1 NBA Draft pick Anthony Bennett was cut loose Tuesday, the Toronto Raptors announced.
The Raptors inked Jason Thompson to take up his roster spot.
"Unfortunately we had to make the decision to waive Anthony Bennett." – Masai Ujiri. pic.twitter.com/ZMOq9HqLpq
— Toronto Raptors (@Raptors) March 1, 2016
"Anthony is at that point where he needed to play." – Masai
— Toronto Raptors (@Raptors) March 1, 2016
"He's a great young man. I enjoyed working with Anthony." – Casey pic.twitter.com/ZxvbtDWg6Y
— Toronto Raptors (@Raptors) March 1, 2016
Bennett, 22, appeared in 19 games this season.
From the press release:
Thompson, 6-foot-11, 250 pounds, is in his eighth season. He has appeared in 569 career regular season games, averaging 9.0 points, 6.7 rebounds and 25.5 minutes. […] “We are pleased to add a player like Jason who has logged quality minutes in more than 500 career games,” said Raptors President and General Manager Masai Ujiri.
To make room on the roster the Raptors released forward Anthony Bennett. Bennett appeared in 19 games, totaling 28 points, 23 rebounds and 84 minutes.
“We thank Anthony for his professionalism and for his service to our team and community,” said Ujiri. “We know he’s on his way to becoming an excellent NBA player but as we approach the end of the season Jason will provide us with a veteran presence that we need.”
