The 18-year-old has strung together a pair of decent performances since failing to score over 24 minutes in the exhibition opener on Monday, but is still lagging considerably behind fellow rookie Marquese Chriss, who’s managed double-digit scoring efforts in all three preseason games. Bender did drain his first three-pointer as a pro Friday, and his ability to score away from the basket is one of the unique traits that the 7-foot-1 swingman brings to the table. He should see plenty of minutes during the exhibition slate to further acclimate to the speed of the pro game and should have opportunity for minutes at center, power forward and small forward come the regular season if he proves worthy of them.
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Damian Lillard: Goes for 18 points in preseason victory
by Rotowire
