Suns draft Dragan Bender with 4th pick

Discussion in 'Phoenix Suns' started by truebluefan, Jun 26, 2016.

  1. truebluefan

    truebluefan Administrator Staff Member Administrator

    Joined:
    Apr 15, 2010
    Messages:
    212,768
    Likes Received:
    821
    Trophy Points:
    113
    With the fourth pick in the 2016 NBA Draft, the Phoenix Suns selected Dragan Bender, an 18-year-old Croatian power forward who spent last season playing for Maccabi Tel Aviv of the Israeli league.

    Bender is a a little raw as a prospect, but he's worthy of a high selection thanks to his tools and his potential. He's a legitimate 7-footer who can move well on defense, something that always has value. He also has court vision and a developing shot that could make him exactly the type of playmaking power forward that works so well on modern offenses.

    Despite his young age, Bender is no mystery. He's been heavily scouted for years in the European youth circuit and international competitions. He has played sparingly for Maccabi Tel Aviv this season, which is not surprising, as he's still filling out his frame and has been restricted by his status as a foreign player in a league that tries to foster local talent.

    His lack of playing time is definitely not a red flag, but it does suggest he's still a project. Bender is the youngest player in the draft and would have been a senior in high school in America. He will need to add muscle in order to battle on the boards and to be able to slide up to center on occasion, something he should be able to do in time, thanks to his height and length. His handle, shot and finishing ability all need more work, as well.

    Expecting him to make an impact right away might be too optimistic but the potential is tantalizing. While he's not as long or athletic as Kristaps Porzingis, he shows a similar ability to stretch the floor and be a force on defense.

    - See more at: http://www.sbnation.com/2016/6/23/11859510/nba-draft-2016-results-dragan-bender-phoenix-suns
     

Share This Page