RealGM

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.

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).

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?

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

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.

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!

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

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

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.

Good for him, hope me makes it back.

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

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

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.

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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