Bender attempting a comeback?

Post #1 » by **Charcoal Filtered** » Mon Jul 27, 2009 9:20 pm

http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/news/story?id=4359580

At 28 and how raw Bender looked on the court before retiring, I doubt this happens.

Post #2 » by **PR07** » Mon Jul 27, 2009 9:37 pm

Did his knees stop suddenly chronically breaking down? I don't see it. However, even with his raw game, I still think he'd have a place on someone's bench just because of his athletic ability and his versatility. I mean Jamario Moon's made a career out of athletic ability, and while he's probably a lot more explosive than JB at this point in their careers, Bender could easily be someone's 10-15th man IF HE CAN STAY HEALTHY, which is a huge if (and I seriously doubt).

Post #3 » by **mizzoupacers** » Mon Jul 27, 2009 9:51 pm

Seems like the longest of long shots that he could successfully resume his basketball career, but he's a good guy, and I wish him the best.

Does anyone think the Pacers would be interested in him?

greenway84 · Post #4 » by **greenway84** » Mon Jul 27, 2009 9:56 pm

though he is what we need. i doubt he would want tot come here. also he's donnies boy.

Post #5 » by **PR07** » Mon Jul 27, 2009 10:03 pm

Bird did coach him one year, no? And wasn't there something about a H-O-R-S-E game between the two? If Bender's okay with hopping on as the 15th guy, maybe, but there's no way I come into next season with Jones, Dunleavy, and Bender as my only backups on the roster next year at the wing positions, when there's a good chance only one will make it through the whole season.

Post #6 » by **mizzoupacers** » Mon Jul 27, 2009 10:06 pm

I seem to remember Bird once being quoted as saying Bender would some day have a 50-point game. Looks like maybe it's not too late for that to happen!

CapeCrusader · Post #7 » by **CapeCrusader** » Mon Jul 27, 2009 10:09 pm

I doubt he makes a successful comeback, but I hope I'm wrong and wish him the best.

Post #8 » by **count55** » Mon Jul 27, 2009 11:50 pm

I'm just wondering if he ever learned how to play basketball.

jrandis04 · Post #9 » by **jrandis04** » Tue Jul 28, 2009 12:33 am

I would give him a chance. Give him a minimum contract, its worth the chance. We only had 14 players last year, chance of only having 14 this year. Let him come off the bench in blow outs or last few minutes of a half see if he has anything. He could turn out to be ok. Look at what Antonio McDyesse went through, what about Grant Hill.

CircleCitysportsfan · Post #10 » by **CircleCitysportsfan** » Tue Jul 28, 2009 1:13 am

Good for him, hope me makes it back.

Post #11 » by **Miller4ever** » Tue Jul 28, 2009 1:37 am

I would like to wish him best of luck, but Oscar Robertson's got a better chance of making it back.

Post #12 » by **Gremz** » Tue Jul 28, 2009 7:14 am

I expect a Livingston like situation with this. But I do wish him all the best.

cdash · Post #13 » by **cdash** » Tue Jul 28, 2009 1:41 pm

mizzoupacers wrote::jawdrop:

Seems like the longest of long shots that he could successfully resume his basketball career, but he's a good guy, and I wish him the best.

Does anyone think the Pacers would be interested in him?

Nope, not at all.

Post #14 » by **count55** » Tue Jul 28, 2009 2:27 pm

My basic problem with Bender was that he just wasn't a very good basketball player.

Donerik · Post #15 » by **Donerik** » Tue Jul 28, 2009 2:44 pm

I'd give him a shot in practices...sign him to a short contract; work him hard; see how he responds/where his skill level is.

I'd realistically think NO would be a good landing spot since he lives there.

Post #16 » by **PR07** » Tue Jul 28, 2009 5:48 pm

count55 wrote:My basic problem with Bender was that he just wasn't a very good basketball player.

I agree with this, but aren't there a lot of players in the league who aren't really good basketball players from a basketball perspective? Players like Chris Anderson, Jamario Moon, etc.....who have more athleticism in their game than any real substance.

fienX420 · Post #17 » by **fienX420** » Wed Jul 29, 2009 12:14 am

Sheesh. What a kick in the groin it'd be for Bender to come back and finally become a real player for another team. Sounds about right though.

Post #18 » by **Scoot McGroot** » Wed Jul 29, 2009 12:34 am

fienX420 wrote:Sheesh. What a kick in the groin it'd be for Bender to come back and finally become a real player for another team. Sounds about right though.

I don't think you have to worry about that one iota.

PacersDG · Post #19 » by **PacersDG** » Wed Jul 29, 2009 1:33 am

I don't see why everyone's knocking Bender. If he stays healthy he certainly could help any team. A few YEARS of rest could do wonders for his knee.

Gant · Post #20 » by **Gant** » Wed Jul 29, 2009 1:45 am

It's not just Bender. All the Futurama characters are attempting a comeback: Fry, Leela... all of them.