RealGM

What do you all think about inviting him to training camp. or bring in him in for a physical?

rak1974 wrote:What do you all think about inviting him to training camp. or bring in him in for a physical?

I would be afraid to sign a player who was clearly a bust based on the expectations, and was more injured-prone than speedy on his journey with the Hawks. When he was healthy he was the man on the bench for the pacers, who represented them in the all-star dunk contest. Nothing more. Signing him would be waste of time, and money. + He is interested in the Knicks.

He's a long shot to make a successful comeback and not someone who can feel safe entrusting a job to because he could go down so easily. As such I would want nothing to do with him.

I would give him a shot over guys like O.Hunter and Morris. Maybe he comes in and resurrects into a decent sub. This lends more to the fact that i have absolutely 0 confidence in what Hunter and more so Morris can bring. I'm not even sure if they give the proper competition in practice.

Jonathan Bender would need to be worked out, interviewed, and his credit needs to be checked. It was noted during the past that he had financial problems and this could very well be an attempt just to make an easy buck.

REALITY CHECK:

Bender hasn't played since November of 2005. When he did play he managed only 237 GP over 7 years. Only 1 season did he play over 60 games or average over 20 mpg. In the time he did play he was an anemic rebounder and his scoring numbers were actually mundane. His career per 36 min number are 13.5 pts and 5.4 rebounds and his career per is 11.0. He was drafted straight out high school because of he athletic promise which has been diminished by chronic injuries and 4 years away from the game.

Even if he was healthy and in shape, I would argue that he's too soft on the boards to give the Hawks what they need. I understand the lack of adding a big making people antsy, but it amazes me what some people are willing to consider just because of a recognizable name.

BTW, Othello Hunter's teammates spoke very highly of him last year. Just because Woodson didn't give him PT as a rookie on a playoff team shouldn't be the last word on whether the kid can play.

Benders knees are bone on bone he will never play ball again...

Bender back to steal more money? LOL

He was almost as good as Darko at that!