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Clippers acquire Anthony Bennett: What this means for the team

By Sir Milo Loftin

PORTLAND, ME - JANUARY 07: Red Claws forward Anthony Bennett moves the ball up the court during NBA G League action against the Raptors 905 at Portland Expo on Sunday, January 07, 2018. (Photo by Carl D. Walsh/Portland Press Herald via Getty Images
PORTLAND, ME - JANUARY 07: Red Claws forward Anthony Bennett moves the ball up the court during NBA G League action against the Raptors 905 at Portland Expo on Sunday, January 07, 2018. (Photo by Carl D. Walsh/Portland Press Herald via Getty Images /
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The Agua Caliente Clippers have acquired former #1 overall draft pick Anthony Bennett in a trade with the Maine Red Claws.

The Clippers just added a #1 draft pick to their organization. The Agua Caliente Clippers sent away the returning player rights to James Michael McAdoo and a 2018 3rd round selection in the upcoming NBA G League Draft in exchange for Anthony Bennett Thursday, the Red Claws announced.

The Clippers get a lottery ticket on the 2013 top NBA draft pick in a move that has solid upside, without giving up very much. While Bennett’s career has certainly been a disappointment in regards to where he was drafted, he is still a skilled player who is a total upside play for the Clippers. If there is any way to break into the Clippers roster this season, it is through the frontcourt.

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The Clippers were one of, if not the biggest benefactor of the G League last year, with players like Sindarius Thornwell, Jawun Evans and Tyrone Wallace all making key contributions to the LA Clippers. If Bennett is going to get some NBA minutes this season, the Clips may very well be the perfect franchise for him to be on.

Bennett averaged 16.0 points a game last season in 21 games with the Red Claws. He also averaged 11.7 points a game in 14 games with the G League’s Northern Arizona Suns. It may not have been against the greatest competition, but Bennett has still showed some signs of life in the G League.

Chances are that Bennett doesn’t get any action on the Clipper’s main roster, but this is the exact type of low risk, high reward flyer the Clipper’s should be taking. Worst case scenario, the Clippers lost the rights to McAdoo, who may never play in the NBA again. Best case scenario, the Clipper’s have a 25-year-old former #1 pick looking to prove he still belongs in the league and can contribute to an NBA franchise. Like I said, chances are slim that Bennett gets NBA playtime in LA, but what do the Clippers have to lose?

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