18 years old, PF, Maccabi Tel Aviv
7’0.5″, 216 lbs
7’2″ wing span, 9’3″ standing reach
*Numbers from 2015 Eurocamp (Bender did not participate in the NBA Combine)
10 games, 6.5 points, 5.5 rebounds, 2.1 blocks, 1.7 assists, 23.1 FG%, 16.7 3P%, 50 FT%
Bender is expected to be a top-5 pick.
In a 100-69 loss to CSKA Moscow, Bender finished with seven points, one assist, one steal and one block in 18 minutes of play. He shot 3-for-7 from the field and 1-for-2 from the free-throw line.
For his size, the dude moves like a deer. He can run the court and also has the handles of a guard. He’s a decent shooter with a good overall feel for the game. He’s long, which is obviously something you can’t teach. He’s more of a pick and pop player than a pick and roll player. He’s a decent driver, although he’s not the strongest guy. When he is in the post, he’s an excellent passer and recognizes the double team. From film, it looks like his effort level is always there.
The biggest weakness for Bender is the small sample size we have to judge off of in a less competitive league, but that didn’t seem to hurt Kristaps Porzingis. He’s not the strongest guy. He’ll need to add some weight. He’s not great in the paint and when he’s down there, he tends to rely almost strictly on his right hand. He’s a solid shooter, but sometimes forces shots, resulting in bad misses. Defensively, he will probably be able to switch on pick and rolls at the next level. He’ll need to get bigger to defend post players, though.
First off, let’s just admit that Dragan Bender is the dopest basketball name ever. What if he becomes a top-5 player of all time? You’re buying your kid a Dragan Bender jersey. But let’s look beyond the name, much like we had to do with Metta World Peace and Panda Bear Friend or whatever Ron Artest changed his name to.
Everyone who knows anything about basketball tells us that Bender is not Porzingis.
OK, then who is he? Obviously he’s pretty good if he’s being considered as a top-3 pick in the draft. Judging off film, he looks like he can ball and that he’s got a great feel for the game.
Porzingis showed us that players can make an impact immediately when coming from overseas, but there’s also guys like Mario Hezonja, who didn’t really contribute at all. That’s probably more on Scott Skiles than Hezonja, though.
For the small-ball era, Bender looks like he’ll fit in well. He can guard perimeter guys and will eventually be able to bang with the bigs inside. My goodness. I’m talking myself into Dragan Bender.
I wouldn’t be terribly shocked to see him jump into the top-2. Just sayin’.
Side-note: He played with former University of Golden Gopher big man Trevor Mbakwe last season, so there’s that.
@Kyle_Ratke I see him more as a Pau Gasol with potential 3 point range and better perimeter D than interior D.
@Kyle_Ratke He not like anybody else
@Kyle_Ratke Kyle. I want him on the Wolves.
