KG To Help Mitchell, Bennett Signs With Toronto

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — Kevin Garnett says Sam Mitchell is the perfect person to take over the Minnesota Timberwolves now that Flip Saunders is taking a leave of absence to be treated for cancer.

Garnett spoke on Monday for the first time since signing a two-year, $16.5 million contract earlier this summer to return to the Wolves. Garnett has been close to Saunders for years. He says he's offered the family any help he can provide while Saunders is treated for Hodgkins lymphoma.

Saunders' absence means Garnett's presence will be even more important for a young Timberwolves core.

Mitchell is the new interim coach. In his last years as a player, Mitchell mentored a young Garnett in Minnesota.

Garnett says he will be a voice in the locker room to help Mitchell lead.

Raptors sign Canadian forward Anthony Bennett

TORONTO (AP) — The Toronto Raptors have signed Canadian forward Anthony Bennett.

Bennett had said on Twitter that he signed, but the deal wasn't made official until Monday.

Bennett has had a rough two seasons in the NBA since he was the surprise No. 1 overall pick by Cleveland in 2013. He battled injuries in his rookie season with the Cavaliers and in second season with the Minnesota Timberwolves, where he landed with Andrew Wiggins in the Kevin Love deal.

Bennett averaged 5.2 points and 3.8 rebounds in 57 games for the Timberwolves last season.