Former No. 1 pick out to revive career

For a Nets team with precious few draft picks, taking a flier on gifted, young Anthony Bennett might be like finding a free pick. For the former overall No. 1 pick — already dealt, cut, bought out and labeled the biggest bust in NBA history — getting a chance with Brooklyn might be his last, best shot at saving his career.

“He showed up with his body looking terrific, and how he conducted himself during [minicamp] not only on but off the court as well,’’ general manager Sean Marks said. “He’s well aware that this is a terrific opportunity and he needs to make the most of it. He’s hungry. We’ll see, the ball’s really in his court now.”

Bennett has had the ball — and the world — in his hands before, and flubbed it.

Drafted No. 1 overall by Cleveland in 2013, the Cavaliers traded him to Minnesota who eventually bought him out. Toronto picked him up and cut him.

But after becoming the first No. 1 pick to play in the D-League, the 6-foot-8 forward excelled with the Canadian national team, and improved his conditioning (cutting out late snacks, drinking water and working out daily).

“I really found out it was a business when I got into the league. But what can you do? It’s the NBA, it’s the big leagues. Grown men play here, so you’ve just got to be ready for whatever comes your way,’’ said Bennett, 23, who said he doesn’t use his bust label for motivation.

“I have other motivation, other things that push me. Ob- viously, 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.’’

But it could be late in the race.

Bennett got a make-good two-year deal that will pay a guaranteed $1,015,696 this season and another $1,087,745, if he’s on the roster opening night 2017.

Still, that’s low-risk, high-reward if the Nets can rebuild his confidence.

“It’s just playing with more confidence. … It’s just going out and playing with a clear mind,’’ Bennett 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 talked about narrowing the focus on Bennett’s game to improved rebounding as well as using his athleticism in the open court and on defense. But most of all was the mental side, having fun and having confidence.

“He’s going to have to take care of the business side in terms of keeping his body in top shape. With the injury early on in his career, he got off-track,’’ Atkinson said. “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’s a guy we’ve got to build up his confidence, and if he misses two straight corner 3s, take the next one.”