thoughts on Dragan Bender?

[KungPoweChicken]

He appears to be a bust thus far. He has a lot to prove to remain in the league.

[Tr1boy]

the kid has underperformed in his first two seasons, but it often takes big men more time to mature and develop opposed to guards. Bender won't be 21 until November, and I still think he has a lot of untapped potential.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=61awo7qBh3c

here are his highlights from the past season...

I will admit that he does not look as agile as he was advertised coming out of the draft, but he still has an intriguing skillset that would suit this team well. I also think having the opportunity to be taken under the wing of Al Horford while being coached by Stevens would do wonders for his development.

Perhaps the Suns will attempt to get some value in return for him if they draft Ayton (which I'm assuming they will)? A young team can only handle so many young projects at once and they already have Booker, Jackson, Chriss...

Am I wrong to think a Rozier for Bender swap could benefit both teams?

Just glad the Celts didn't draft him

Rozier for Bender? you kidding me

[hodgy03038]

I have no thoughts of Dragan Bender other than does he even get minutes on a terrible team?

[indeedproceed]

My thoughts on Dragan Bender are that hes the only basketball player I know that has gotten aired out by John Oliver.

[Erik]

Darko 2.0. Celtics dodged a huge bomb there.

[ConnerHenry]

Saw the Suns play in LA this year and focused on Bender and Jackson, wondering how they would fit on the Celtics:

Both players looked completely lost on offense, unsure of what their role was. This I blame on coaching, as the Suns were a total mess.

Bender - very timid in crashing the boards; appeared to be confused when he received the ball, unsure of whether to drive or shoot a jumper; his passes were a step-behind, either missing the cutting man by being too slow or having the pass intercepted. He was poorly paired with Chandler and played self-consciously

Jackson - really needs to add weight; had good instincts but the quickness of the NBA game hinders his quick first step and he needs a little bit of muscle/mass to bang with; was unafraid to keep shooting when missing; tried to make things happen on a very poorly coached team

[kozlodoev]

My thoughts on Dragan Bender are that hes the only basketball player I know that has gotten aired out by John Oliver.

That's so good 

[Roy H.]

I didn't care for his game before the draft, and nothing has changed my mind.  I never understood the hype.

[Rakulp]

His name is better than his game.

[kozlodoev]

I didn't care for his game before the draft, and nothing has changed my mind. I never understood the hype.

Tremendous upside potential (tm).

[rondofan1255]

Name reminds me of Jonathan Bender

[RIPRED]

I'll be honest, the highlight reel from the OP is more impressive than I expected. Most of the shots were uncontested spot up jumpers, but there were a few nice drives to the basket sprinkled in with some nice passes in there too. I didn't like him in the draft and I'm glad he's not on the Celtics, but does look like he'll be a serviceable big man, which I didn't expect.

[PickNRoll]

Fringe NBA player.  Never plays a meaningful minute on a contender.

[hwangjini_1]

the kid has underperformed in his first two seasons, but it often takes big men more time to mature and develop opposed to guards. Bender won't be 21 until November, and I still think he has a lot of untapped potential.

We doing this again? The kid hasn't underperformed. He's performed exactly as many around here thought he would, the second coming of Bruno Sundov.

bruno and bender are not a good comparison to make your point here koz.

bruno sundov career stats, 7 seasons:
min/g = 5.1
pts/g = 1.7
rb/g = 1
3pt% = 20.6%

dragan bender career stats, 2 seasons:
min/g = 21.1
pts/g = 5.4
rb/g = 3.7
3pt% = 34.5%

and honestly, i do think bender will improve. he did from year 1 to year 2 already. how much? i cant tell.

[footey]

Admittedly have not watched him play much last two seasons.  His skill set intrigued me during draft, he and jaylen were my two favs in '16.

His skill set reminds me of Saric, only Saric has more dog in him thus far.  If he could develop to become that type of player, would not mind trading Terry plus to land him.  Problem is, Terry has fulfilled his promise, and Dragan, so far, has not.  He'd probably be a much better fit on Celtics than he is on Suns. (who wouldn't be??)

I'm going to plead temporary insanity suggesting we consider trading Rozier plus for Bender.  I get too caught up in trade - draft frenzy sometimes!