Anthony Bennett, Nets reportedly have mutual interest

The floundering basketball dream of former No. 1 overall pick Anthony Bennett has just been tossed a life jacket.

According to a report by Michael Scotto of Sheridan Hoops on Sunday, Bennett, who has been playing for his native Canada in the FIBA Olympic Qualifying Tournament, shares mutual interest with the Brooklyn Nets in a potential deal.

Sources: Former No. 1 pick Anthony Bennett and the Nets have mutual interest. He's played for Canada in FIBA Olympic Qualifying Tournament.

— Michael Scotto (@MikeAScotto) July 11, 2016

Bennett is still only 23 years old, but he’s quickly running out of time to fulfill his potential. He posted miserly averages last season of 1.5 points per game and 1.2 rebounds per game in 4.4 minutes per game across 19 appearances for the Raptors, his third NBA team since being chosen with the top overall selection in 2013. Bennett was waived by Toronto in February and hasn’t played in the league since.

The UNLV product’s name has become virtually synonymous with the term “draft bust” but always seems to flash enough upside at the international level as a roll man/pick-and-pop big to keep NBA teams interested. For the Nets, who reportedly worked out Bennett in May and don’t have much to play for next season anyway, this might be Bennett’s last chance to prove he has a place in the Association.

Image Credit: Tom Szczerbowski-USA TODAY Sports

H/T NBA Reddit