I just noticed Jonathan Bender has returned to the Pacers lineup. He played his first game on Saturday, scoring 8 points in 17 minutes. I've been waiting for Bender to make his impact on the NBA. He has tremendous talent and amazing athleticism for a 7 footer. He can also stroke it from downtown. Unfortunately, Bender's career has not had a chance to get started because of numerous injuries. I expected a career year for him after the Pacers traded Al Harrington to Atlanta, to free up playing time for Bender. Now with Artest out, and SJax suspended, I'm looking forward to seeing what Bender can do for the second half of the season. Anyone another Bender fans out there patiently waiting on this kid?
I'm not really too knowlegable about Jonathan Bender. I probably wouldn't have heard much about him if he wasn't an athletic 7 footer from highschool. Indiana is still my rival but this guy seems really exciting. I hope to see him more often!
i was wondering what happened to Bender. it seemed like he retired. i dont remember the last time i saw him. oh well
I'm definately anxious to see how Bender will do with his hopefully extended playing time. I really think he has the ability to put of all-star numbers, IF he can be consistent, and get some low post moves. Whether its a fade away, or what, just somethign down low to have a more than 1 dimension to him on offense. But, yes, I'm definately looking forward to getting a chance to see how he does.
yes i'm a bender fan. he has been playing really well for the pacers as of late with his ninja headband that he wears. He takes a headband and cuts it in half and ties the ends together, it looks pretty cool. I believe the losses of jackson and artest are going to help the pacers out tremendously in the long run; because fred jones and bender have been both playing awesome. And hopefully, when the pacers recieve jackson and artest back they will keep giving signifigant minutes to fred jones and bender. I see a rotation similar to the grizzlies working wonders for the pacers. Also Rick Carlisle has really impressed me how he has held the team together through all of this trauma.
Bender can be a Dirk Nowitzki with hops in three years if he keeps improving and bulking up. He already has great range, and handles to go with his explosive hops. However, he needs a solid post game and toughen up his rebounding. A little more weight won't hurt either. The sky's the limit as long as Bender keeps working hard and injuries don't plague his career, like they are already.
Seeing Bender play is like searching for Bigfoot. This kid has a ton of talent but he needs to add some bulk to his frame or else he will stay a permanent fixture on the IL. Come back and stay back young'n.
no doubt, bender have huge talent and huge upside to his game, but i've never heard anyone commented on his work ethic, in this league, work ethic is what keeps u in. i think he was drafted some where between 99-00, he had 6yrs to bcom more than what he is now, i don't think he can ever bcom an elite player like nowitzki. but decent role player or 3rd punch from a team.
He was actually the 5th pick in the 99 draft, ahead of guys like Shawn Marion, Wally Sczerbiak and Kenny Thomas by Toronto. The Pacers traded Antonio Davis to acquire him. I don't exactly know about Bender's work ethic, but it seems that he doesn't have quite enough to concentrate on getting better. He has all the tools.
