Another Bender Post

[DefenseWinsChamps]

If the Celtics decide to continue to rebuild through the draft, I'd like them to take Bender and follow the Anthony Davis development path. I don't think they are the same player, but I think they are similar. Both were lanky. Both were skinny. Both were better defenders.

Get him on the court next to a big, muscular center who can take a beating. Let Bender start with spot up shooting in the mid-range, attacking closeouts, lobs, and the occassional hookshot. Force him to stay in that role and add strength. Slowly let him add parts to his game, but keep him at power forward until he can avoid injury.

Here's why I think this is so interesting: Davis was 19 when he was drafted, but Bender will be 18 when he is drafted. Imagine if Bender went to Kentucky this coming season and Kentucky really didn't have another good center. What would his numbers be at Kentucky? Davis was 14 ppg, 10 rpg, 5 bpg, 1 spg, 1 apg. Would the 7'1'' Bender average 15 ppg, 8 rpg, 4 bpg, 2 spg, 3 apg? Imagine how teams would be salivating over him if he had the ability to use his exceptional length against college athletes instead of grown men.

[Surferdad]

Who is the "big muscular center who can take a beating"?  Sully?

[TwinTower14]

If the Celtics decide to continue to rebuild through the draft, I'd like them to take Bender and follow the Anthony Davis development path. I don't think they are the same player, but I think they are similar. Both were lanky. Both were skinny. Both were better defenders.

Get him on the court next to a big, muscular center who can take a beating. Let Bender start with spot up shooting in the mid-range, attacking closeouts, lobs, and the occassional hookshot. Force him to stay in that role and add strength. Slowly let him add parts to his game, but keep him at power forward until he can avoid injury.


Here's why I think this is so interesting: Davis was 19 when he was drafted, but Bender will be 18 when he is drafted. Imagine if Bender went to Kentucky this coming season and Kentucky really didn't have another good center. What would his numbers be at Kentucky? Davis was 14 ppg, 10 rpg, 5 bpg, 1 spg, 1 apg. Would the 7'1'' Bender average 15 ppg, 8 rpg, 4 bpg, 2 spg, 3 apg? Imagine how teams would be salivating over him if he had the ability to use his exceptional length against college athletes instead of grown men.

If bender was born in the states he would be the number one recruit in his class, would have played at one of the elite programs in the country and been the number one pick. For me it's Bender or Murray. I would be happy with either guy.

[DefenseWinsChamps]

Who is the "big muscular center who can take a beating"?  Sully?

Maybe. I wasn't thinking of anyone in particular. Maybe sign Mozgov for a few years. I'd even take Asik off the Pelicans and their 6th for our 16th, 23rd, and Sully.

[DefenseWinsChamps]

If the Celtics decide to continue to rebuild through the draft, I'd like them to take Bender and follow the Anthony Davis development path. I don't think they are the same player, but I think they are similar. Both were lanky. Both were skinny. Both were better defenders.

Get him on the court next to a big, muscular center who can take a beating. Let Bender start with spot up shooting in the mid-range, attacking closeouts, lobs, and the occassional hookshot. Force him to stay in that role and add strength. Slowly let him add parts to his game, but keep him at power forward until he can avoid injury.


Here's why I think this is so interesting: Davis was 19 when he was drafted, but Bender will be 18 when he is drafted. Imagine if Bender went to Kentucky this coming season and Kentucky really didn't have another good center. What would his numbers be at Kentucky? Davis was 14 ppg, 10 rpg, 5 bpg, 1 spg, 1 apg. Would the 7'1'' Bender average 15 ppg, 8 rpg, 4 bpg, 2 spg, 3 apg? Imagine how teams would be salivating over him if he had the ability to use his exceptional length against college athletes instead of grown men.

If bender was born in the states he would be the number one recruit in his class, would have played at one of the elite programs in the country and been the number one pick. For me it's Bender or Murray. I would be happy with either guy.

That's exactly what I'm starting to think. He would be a freshman this coming year (probably). His defensive instincts would keep him on the court, even in the best programs. His length would dominate against the 6'8''-6'9'' centers in college. He is raw offensively, but so was Davis his freshman year. Most of his points were lobs or putbacks. I think Bender could do those same things against college competition. He has to develop the ability to be a rim runner a bit more, but I like him a lot.

[Surferdad]

Who is the "big muscular center who can take a beating"?  Sully?

Maybe. I wasn't thinking of anyone in particular. Maybe sign Mozgov for a few years. I'd even take Asik off the Pelicans and their 6th for our 16th, 23rd, and Sully.

Doubt the Pels would do that.  The #6 is really important for that team.  Also, I don't want Asik (or Mosgov).  Just keep Sully in that case.

[DefenseWinsChamps]

Who is the "big muscular center who can take a beating"?  Sully?

Maybe. I wasn't thinking of anyone in particular. Maybe sign Mozgov for a few years. I'd even take Asik off the Pelicans and their 6th for our 16th, 23rd, and Sully.

Doubt the Pels would do that.  The #6 is really important for that team.  Also, I don't want Asik (or Mosgov).  Just keep Sully in that case.

I wouldn't do that deal without more additions, but here are my reasons I think they will:

1. There have been reports that they like Sully
2. they need a more skilled player to put next to Davis.
3. Rookies are good, but Davis doesn't want to wait for a rookie. The Pelicans can't wait a long time to be good. They want to be in the playoffs next year. Sullinger is an upgrade and might be more effective next to Davis.
4. Instead of one raw rookie at 6, they can get two ready to play players at 16 and 23 like Valentine and Bembry. Those guys are playmakers on the wing who can create easy shots for Davis and hold their own defensively. They also keep two guys at great contracts for 4 years while they try to lure allstars to play with Davis.

At 3, we take Bender. At 6, we take Brown, Murray, or Hield, in that order, whoever is available.

[esel1000]

If the Celtics decide to continue to rebuild through the draft, I'd like them to take Bender and follow the Anthony Davis development path. I don't think they are the same player, but I think they are similar. Both were lanky. Both were skinny. Both were better defenders.

Get him on the court next to a big, muscular center who can take a beating. Let Bender start with spot up shooting in the mid-range, attacking closeouts, lobs, and the occassional hookshot. Force him to stay in that role and add strength. Slowly let him add parts to his game, but keep him at power forward until he can avoid injury.

Here's why I think this is so interesting: Davis was 19 when he was drafted, but Bender will be 18 when he is drafted. Imagine if Bender went to Kentucky this coming season and Kentucky really didn't have another good center. What would his numbers be at Kentucky? Davis was 14 ppg, 10 rpg, 5 bpg, 1 spg, 1 apg. Would the 7'1'' Bender average 15 ppg, 8 rpg, 4 bpg, 2 spg, 3 apg? Imagine how teams would be salivating over him if he had the ability to use his exceptional length against college athletes instead of grown men.

How do you know he wouldn't have been Skal?

[DefenseWinsChamps]

If the Celtics decide to continue to rebuild through the draft, I'd like them to take Bender and follow the Anthony Davis development path. I don't think they are the same player, but I think they are similar. Both were lanky. Both were skinny. Both were better defenders.

Get him on the court next to a big, muscular center who can take a beating. Let Bender start with spot up shooting in the mid-range, attacking closeouts, lobs, and the occassional hookshot. Force him to stay in that role and add strength. Slowly let him add parts to his game, but keep him at power forward until he can avoid injury.

Here's why I think this is so interesting: Davis was 19 when he was drafted, but Bender will be 18 when he is drafted. Imagine if Bender went to Kentucky this coming season and Kentucky really didn't have another good center. What would his numbers be at Kentucky? Davis was 14 ppg, 10 rpg, 5 bpg, 1 spg, 1 apg. Would the 7'1'' Bender average 15 ppg, 8 rpg, 4 bpg, 2 spg, 3 apg? Imagine how teams would be salivating over him if he had the ability to use his exceptional length against college athletes instead of grown men.

How do you know he wouldn't have been Skal?

Great question. I don't know for sure, but I think Bender shows a much more natural feel for the game in a professional league against men than (even in only 15 minutes a game) than Skal did in college against teens. His feel sets him apart on defense especially. But his feel on offense is good too. HIs offensive skills have to catch up.

[PickNRoll]

Have you guys ever played basketball?  Anthony Davis is a force of nature.  A dominant 2-way player who impacts every single possession.  Bender is an end-of-the-bench role player in Israel.  He hovers around the 3 point line and almost never impacts a play unless he drains an open shot.  It's the difference between Larry Bird and Kelly Olynyk. 

Bender's "feel for the game" is his worst attribute.  He looks like a wrestler or rugby player who just learned the game a few months ago. 

[DefenseWinsChamps]

Have you guys ever played basketball?  Anthony Davis is a force of nature.  A dominant 2-way player who impacts every single possession.  Bender is an end-of-the-bench role player in Israel.  He hovers around the 3 point line and almost never impacts a play unless he drains an open shot.  It's the difference between Larry Bird and Kelly Olynyk. 

Bender's "feel for the game" is his worst attribute.  He looks like a wrestler or rugby player who just learned the game a few months ago.

I can't disagree more.

Have you ever played a pickup game against the high school star in your town? Have you ever noticed that 30-40 year old guys (if they are in shape) can normally hang with stars like that just because they are bigger, stronger, and more experienced?

That's Bender in the Israel league. he does what he is told as a boy among men. And he does it pretty well.

But Bender is of the same age Davis would have been entering his year at Kentucky. Imagine putting Bender in the same situation this year. I think he would easily have similar numbers and dominance.

I think Bender can be similar to Davis defensively, but I worry that he won't be able to gain the confidence by playing against college boys. It may take a few years, but I think he can develop.

Offensively, he has the raw abilities and feel. He just needs a specific role and confidence in that specific role. Start with spotups and rim runs. Move to pick-and-pops and attacking closeouts. Then work on hooks, dropsteps, and other ISO moves.

[Smokeeye123]

Have you guys ever played basketball?  Anthony Davis is a force of nature.  A dominant 2-way player who impacts every single possession.  Bender is an end-of-the-bench role player in Israel.  He hovers around the 3 point line and almost never impacts a play unless he drains an open shot.  It's the difference between Larry Bird and Kelly Olynyk. 

Bender's "feel for the game" is his worst attribute.  He looks like a wrestler or rugby player who just learned the game a few months ago.

oh god

[PickNRoll]

Have you guys ever played basketball?  Anthony Davis is a force of nature.  A dominant 2-way player who impacts every single possession.  Bender is an end-of-the-bench role player in Israel.  He hovers around the 3 point line and almost never impacts a play unless he drains an open shot.  It's the difference between Larry Bird and Kelly Olynyk. 

Bender's "feel for the game" is his worst attribute.  He looks like a wrestler or rugby player who just learned the game a few months ago.

I can't disagree more.

Have you ever played a pickup game against the high school star in your town? Have you ever noticed that 30-40 year old guys (if they are in shape) can normally hang with stars like that just because they are bigger, stronger, and more experienced?

That's Bender in the Israel league. he does what he is told as a boy among men. And he does it pretty well.

But Bender is of the same age Davis would have been entering his year at Kentucky. Imagine putting Bender in the same situation this year. I think he would easily have similar numbers and dominance.

I think Bender can be similar to Davis defensively, but I worry that he won't be able to gain the confidence by playing against college boys. It may take a few years, but I think he can develop.

Offensively, he has the raw abilities and feel. He just needs a specific role and confidence in that specific role. Start with spotups and rim runs. Move to pick-and-pops and attacking closeouts. Then work on hooks, dropsteps, and other ISO moves.

I guess I just have to agree to disagree.  His feel for the game is VERY BAD.  He looks lost at all times.  He does have NBA 3pt range, but he almost never impacts the game.

Here's a tool I fall back to:  if I were playing in a local pickup game, except my life depended on the game, where would I pick each player?  i.e. I would die if I lost the game.  Where would I pick Bender?

Well, definitely not in my top 20 among this years draftees.  Dunn, Hield, Murray, Valentine and easily 10 others would be well ahead of him.

Let me offer a comparison.  When Larry Bird was 18 years old he was putting up 30 points and 15 rebounds.  He was a transcendent talent.  Bender wanders around the perimeter, sometimes finds open shots, and basically never impacts an israeli league game. I honestly think that Bender isn't the best NBA prospect on the Macabbi team right now.  18 years old is not an excuse for being a bad basketball player.

[DefenseWinsChamps]

Based on your rule, you'd never have picked Klay Thompson or Andre Drummond or Garnett or Bryant because they weren't ready to win you a championship in their first year.

Bird was 20 his freshman year of college. 23 as a rookie in the NBA. Bender is probably not going to be a Bird, but the game is different today. You have to draft guys who have potential and given them several years to develop.

What I see is that the IQ and feel is there, but the skill hasn't caught up yet. He needs the skill, but he is 18. He has pretty good skills for an 18 year old. In fact, I think he has enough skills to put up similar numbers to Davis' freshman year of college if he were to go to college this year instead of the NBA.

[GetLucky]

Have you guys ever played basketball?  Anthony Davis is a force of nature.  A dominant 2-way player who impacts every single possession.  Bender is an end-of-the-bench role player in Israel.  He hovers around the 3 point line and almost never impacts a play unless he drains an open shot.  It's the difference between Larry Bird and Kelly Olynyk. 

Bender's "feel for the game" is his worst attribute.  He looks like a wrestler or rugby player who just learned the game a few months ago.

I can't disagree more.

Have you ever played a pickup game against the high school star in your town? Have you ever noticed that 30-40 year old guys (if they are in shape) can normally hang with stars like that just because they are bigger, stronger, and more experienced?

That's Bender in the Israel league. he does what he is told as a boy among men. And he does it pretty well.

But Bender is of the same age Davis would have been entering his year at Kentucky. Imagine putting Bender in the same situation this year. I think he would easily have similar numbers and dominance.

I think Bender can be similar to Davis defensively, but I worry that he won't be able to gain the confidence by playing against college boys. It may take a few years, but I think he can develop.

Offensively, he has the raw abilities and feel. He just needs a specific role and confidence in that specific role. Start with spotups and rim runs. Move to pick-and-pops and attacking closeouts. Then work on hooks, dropsteps, and other ISO moves.

I guess I just have to agree to disagree.  His feel for the game is VERY BAD.  He looks lost at all times.  He does have NBA 3pt range, but he almost never impacts the game.

Here's a tool I fall back to:  if I were playing in a local pickup game, except my life depended on the game, where would I pick each player?  i.e. I would die if I lost the game.  Where would I pick Bender?

Well, definitely not in my top 20 among this years draftees.  Dunn, Hield, Murray, Valentine and easily 10 others would be well ahead of him.

Let me offer a comparison.  When Larry Bird was 18 years old he was putting up 30 points and 15 rebounds.  He was a transcendent talent.  Bender wanders around the perimeter, sometimes finds open shots, and basically never impacts an israeli league game. I honestly think that Bender isn't the best NBA prospect on the Macabbi team right now.  18 years old is not an excuse for being a bad basketball player.

Is "bad 18-year-old professional basketball player" an oxymoron?