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Anthony Bennett 'somewhat' motivated by being labeled a bust

Mike Segar / REUTERS

Early in his career, Anthony Bennett was set back by various ailments - including a shoulder injury, asthma, and sleep apnea. Much to the dismay of the Cleveland Cavaliers, who drafted him first overall in 2013, the Canadian was out of shape and largely ineffective.

Bennett has since struggled to find a permanent home in the NBA, and is widely considered one of the biggest busts of all time.

The Brooklyn Nets are the latest team to take a flier on the 6-foot-8 forward, who insists he doesn't use the "bust" label for motivation - at least not that much.

"I have other motivation, other things that push me," Bennett told Brian Lewis of the New York Post. "Obviously, it does somewhat. But I wouldn't say that's my main focus, to turn everybody's opinion around. … I really pretty much don't pay attention to it. It's a process. It's not a sprint, it's a marathon."

Now 23 and healthy, Bennett's excited to get a fresh start and believes he knows what will make him successful with the Nets, who represent his fourth club in as many campaigns.

"It's just playing with more confidence. … It's just going out and playing with a clear mind," he said. "Honestly, the past couple months working out with Drew Hanlen in Myrtle Beach. … He's been telling me get back to having fun. That's pretty much our main focus and that helped out a whole lot."

New Nets coach Kenny Atkinson echoed those sentiments and is committed to putting Bennett in position to do well.

"We've also got to make it where he enjoys coming in the gym. … We're not going to criticize him for every mistake he makes," he said. "He's a guy we've got to build up his confidence, and if he misses two straight corner threes, take the next one."

Bennett has career averages of 4.2 points and 3.1 rebounds in just under 13 minutes per outing.

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