Dragan Bender News, Discussion and Highlights
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Dragan Bender News, Discussion and Highlights
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Dragan Bender News, Discussion and Highlights
Bender sports science, post draft interview
http://espn.go.com/video/clip?id=16309924
https://ca.sports.yahoo.com/video/dragan-bender-nba-draft-interview-011605540.html
http://espn.go.com/video/clip?id=16309924
https://ca.sports.yahoo.com/video/dragan-bender-nba-draft-interview-011605540.html
Re: The Dragan Bender, Marquese Chriss and Tyler Ulis highlight/homer thread
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Re: The Dragan Bender, Marquese Chriss and Tyler Ulis highlight/homer thread

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Re: The Dragan Bender, Marquese Chriss and Tyler Ulis highlight/homer thread
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Re: The Dragan Bender, Marquese Chriss and Tyler Ulis highlight/homer thread
A blend of Bender/Chriss will produce a great player, but it's still very unclear whether individually any of them will be a long term solution at the PF position.
Next few years Bender will spend on developing his body, while Chriss his BBIQ.
Next few years Bender will spend on developing his body, while Chriss his BBIQ.
Re: The Dragan Bender, Marquese Chriss and Tyler Ulis highlight/homer thread
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Re: The Dragan Bender, Marquese Chriss and Tyler Ulis highlight/homer thread
Fantastic video Sports Illustrated did about Bender and where he comes from.
http://bcove.me/gvs47vpu
His passing skills have me optimistic about what he can do
http://bcove.me/gvs47vpu
His passing skills have me optimistic about what he can do
Re: The Dragan Bender, Marquese Chriss and Tyler Ulis highlight/homer thread
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Re: The Dragan Bender, Marquese Chriss and Tyler Ulis highlight/homer thread
Congrats on being one of the winners of the draft, imo. Bender and Chriss both very exciting prospects, and Ulis is great value for the 2nd round.
It'll be a bit awkward trying to develop both, though perhaps they feel Chriss has a chance at SF - I disagree, but some scouts said they thought he had potential there.
Either way, couldn't ask for a better outcome, imo.
It'll be a bit awkward trying to develop both, though perhaps they feel Chriss has a chance at SF - I disagree, but some scouts said they thought he had potential there.
Either way, couldn't ask for a better outcome, imo.
Re: The Dragan Bender, Marquese Chriss and Tyler Ulis highlight/homer thread
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Re: The Dragan Bender, Marquese Chriss and Tyler Ulis highlight/homer thread
So as far as starting goes, I believe whoever of the two outwork the other before the season should start. I'd prefer Bender just because I think he is more versatile at this point but I'd like to see what these guys are capable of during summer league too. KP started all 72 games he played in with the Knicks and I think that has done wonders for him in terms of progressions. As much praise as KP has gotten he shot very terrible overall as a rookie (42%). I believe our roster has way more talent than the Knicks so Bender should be getting better looks than KP and in turn have a better shooting percentage than he did.
Overall I'd like both of these guys to be getting 25+ minutes a night. I'm happy Earl Watson is the coach as I feel like he'll play these guys and we shouldn't see any DNP-Coach's Decision.
Overall I'd like both of these guys to be getting 25+ minutes a night. I'm happy Earl Watson is the coach as I feel like he'll play these guys and we shouldn't see any DNP-Coach's Decision.
Re: The Dragan Bender, Marquese Chriss and Tyler Ulis highlight/homer thread
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Re: The Dragan Bender, Marquese Chriss and Tyler Ulis highlight/homer thread
[tweet]https://twitter.com/DBender03/status/746398171014762496[/tweet]
Welcome Bender! It is not Pheonix though...
Welcome Bender! It is not Pheonix though...
carey wrote:It is 2-time, every time.
Re: The Dragan Bender, Marquese Chriss and Tyler Ulis highlight/homer thread
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Re: The Dragan Bender, Marquese Chriss and Tyler Ulis highlight/homer thread
NTB wrote:
Such a nice pic.
7 footer sitting in coach? Damn Bob you are a stubborn SOB.
fromthetop321 wrote:I got Lebron number 1, he is also leading defensive player of the year. Curry's game still reminds me of Jeremy Lin to much.
Re: The Dragan Bender, Marquese Chriss and Tyler Ulis highlight/homer thread
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Re: The Dragan Bender, Marquese Chriss and Tyler Ulis highlight/homer thread
Well, from what i took away from the presser:
Bender: You can tell that he has been around professional sports. The answers were direct and on point. Holding the jersey the correct way and even having the knowledge to move the microphone to the side so the pictures would come out clear (without being prompted to do so).
Chriss: Definitely came off better than he did last night. Maybe it was just a long night for him combined with the shock of the trade, but he came off much much better. Can tell that he is still a youngster and will need time to mature (Not saying he is immature).
Ulis: I dont have that much faith in our 2nd round picks, but for some reason i do in Ulis. Seemed rather confident, and just like IT, has a bit of a chip on his shoulder for falling into the 2nd round. He made that clear as he mentioned being rather upset that he fell (Twice). I like that.
Bender: You can tell that he has been around professional sports. The answers were direct and on point. Holding the jersey the correct way and even having the knowledge to move the microphone to the side so the pictures would come out clear (without being prompted to do so).
Chriss: Definitely came off better than he did last night. Maybe it was just a long night for him combined with the shock of the trade, but he came off much much better. Can tell that he is still a youngster and will need time to mature (Not saying he is immature).
Ulis: I dont have that much faith in our 2nd round picks, but for some reason i do in Ulis. Seemed rather confident, and just like IT, has a bit of a chip on his shoulder for falling into the 2nd round. He made that clear as he mentioned being rather upset that he fell (Twice). I like that.
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Re: The Dragan Bender, Marquese Chriss and Tyler Ulis highlight/homer thread
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Re: The Dragan Bender, Marquese Chriss and Tyler Ulis highlight/homer thread
After watching the Porzingis vs Bender comparison DX put out and others scouting videos, the guy that Bender reminds me of the most is Andrei Kirilenko. Obviously not as long, but Bender is 7'1" and he possesses elite lateral quickness at that height. The passing, shooting touch, and unselfishness are similar traits AK-47 had. I don't ever see Bender being an offensive juggernaut, but if he fulfills his defensive potential and can hit the open 3pt shot, this is a huge WIN in my book.
Re: The Dragan Bender, Marquese Chriss and Tyler Ulis highlight/homer thread
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Re: The Dragan Bender, Marquese Chriss and Tyler Ulis highlight/homer thread
DirtyDez wrote:NTB wrote:
Such a nice pic.
7 footer sitting in coach? Damn Bob you are a stubborn SOB.
Baby Face Assassins. Might have a new duo nickname.
Dominater wrote:Damn Cactus jack takin over
Re: The Dragan Bender, Marquese Chriss and Tyler Ulis highlight/homer thread
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Re: The Dragan Bender, Marquese Chriss and Tyler Ulis highlight/homer thread
Cactus Jack wrote:DirtyDez wrote:NTB wrote:
Such a nice pic.
7 footer sitting in coach? Damn Bob you are a stubborn SOB.
Baby Face Assassins. Might have a new duo nickname.
Haha we have three if you include Devin. Should just throw them all out at the same time and make other teams feel really old
Duncan would just be like what the **** am I still doing here
Re: The Dragan Bender, Marquese Chriss and Tyler Ulis highlight/homer thread
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Re: The Dragan Bender, Marquese Chriss and Tyler Ulis highlight/homer thread
I am hoping Bender is able to play the 3 as Watson and Ryan suggested, if so, then we can have Len, Bender, and Chriss as a front court. If Bender can't play the 3, then someone would become a role player off of the bench. I can't see Chriss or Bender banging with Cousins for four quarters at center. In addition, one would have to change his body type too much and that could take away from what makes him special.
Re: The Dragan Bender, Marquese Chriss and Tyler Ulis highlight/homer thread
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Re: The Dragan Bender, Marquese Chriss and Tyler Ulis highlight/homer thread
JMac1 wrote:I am hoping Bender is able to play the 3 as Watson and Ryan suggested, if so, then we can have Len, Bender, and Chriss as a front court. If Bender can't play the 3, then someone would become a role player off of the bench. I can't see Chriss or Bender banging with Cousins for four quarters at center. In addition, one would have to change his body type too much and that it could take away from what makes him special.
Given their foul rates, even if they both played all the minutes at PF, they'd probably both get into foul trouble. I think one can play five in small ball lineups but rebounding would be a problem. I think Bender can play 3 though...he can probably guard most 3s and don't think his size is that much different than Durant's when he came in. But as gaspar has said I think we don't need to be obsessed about traditional positions in today's NBA.
When asked how Fascism starts, Bertrand Russell once said:
"First, they fascinate the fools. Then, they muzzle the intelligent."
"First, they fascinate the fools. Then, they muzzle the intelligent."
Re: The Dragan Bender, Marquese Chriss and Tyler Ulis highlight/homer thread
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Re: The Dragan Bender, Marquese Chriss and Tyler Ulis highlight/homer thread
bwgood77 wrote:JMac1 wrote:I am hoping Bender is able to play the 3 as Watson and Ryan suggested, if so, then we can have Len, Bender, and Chriss as a front court. If Bender can't play the 3, then someone would become a role player off of the bench. I can't see Chriss or Bender banging with Cousins for four quarters at center. In addition, one would have to change his body type too much and that it could take away from what makes him special.
Given their foul rates, even if they both played all the minutes at PF, they'd probably both get into foul trouble. I think one can play five in small ball lineups but rebounding would be a problem. I think Bender can play 3 though...he can probably guard most 3s and don't think his size is that much different than Durant's when he came in. But as gaspar has said I think we don't need to be obsessed about traditional positions in today's NBA.
I am talking a few years down the road.
If Bender and Chriss can guard the 3, then I guess they should be able to play with Len. You are right, I should just say I want them on the court with Len, whoever guards whoever depends on the matchups.
Re: The Dragan Bender, Marquese Chriss and Tyler Ulis highlight/homer thread
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Re: The Dragan Bender, Marquese Chriss and Tyler Ulis highlight/homer thread
My stats-based projections help provide perspective on the best and worst moves in the draft.
Comparing the projections for this year's picks to the average projection for each draft slot provides a way to determine a player's value relative to where he was selected. That gives us a positive or negative "difference" for each player selected.
A higher (positive) difference suggests that a team got good value. A lower (negative) difference suggests that a team could have made a better choice.
Best lottery value
Dragan Bender (No. 4)
Phoenix Suns
Projection: 2.8
Actual value: 3.6
Difference: plus-0.8 (6th)
Last year, a talented European big man went No. 4 -- and now Kristaps Porzingis looks like a great pick 12 months later. Bender is hoping to follow in Porzingis' footsteps in that regard. While they have quite different skill sets, Bender projected about as well by my model as Porzingis.
At 18, he's farther away from contributing in the NBA than Porzingis, but don't be surprised if Bender shows flashes -- even in limited action -- as a rookie.
Best first-round values
Juan Hernangomez (15)
Denver Nuggets
Projection: 1.4
Actual value: 2.3
Difference: plus-0.9 (4th)
The Nuggets' projections for international big men are apparently similar to mine. In 2014, Denver drafted centers Jusuf Nurkic and Nikola Jokic. Both were among my top 10 prospects, and both panned out wonderfully as rookies (Nurkic in 2014-15 and Jokic in 2015-16).
With that spot covered, this time around Denver went for stretch-4 Hernangomez, whose ability to space the floor should fit well with either big man.
Ante Zizic (23)
Boston Celtics
Projection: 1.3
Actual value: 2.0
Difference: plus-0.7 (8th)
The Celtics didn't get great value with all of their selections (see below), but Zizic looks like a strong pick with the last of Boston's three first-rounders.
Like Jokic and Nurkic, Zizic was effective in the Adriatic League at a young age (he turned 19 during last season), suggesting he should be able to contribute in the NBA when he joins the Celtics.
Second-round steals
Zhou Qi (43)
Houston Rockets
Projection: 0.1
Actual value: 2.3
Difference: plus-2.3 (1st)
As I noted in my draft rankings, the 7-foot-2 Zhou was the biggest mystery of the draft, starting with his age. Even if we project the Chinese big man as older than his listed 20, however, his impressive stats in China would mark him as one of the draft's best values, given that Houston got him in the middle of the second round.
It's no surprise the Rockets would take a chance on Zhou, given their use of analytics and their heavy focus on China thanks to Yao Ming. Houston signed a pair of Chinese Basketball Association stars this season (Michael Beasley and Andrew Goudelock) and presumably is comfortable about how to translate Zhou's stats to the NBA.
Zhou won't come over until 2017-18, but he could be a steal.
Ivica Zubac (32)
L.A. Lakers
Projection: 0.6
Actual value: 1.6
Difference: plus-1.0 (2nd)
I'm not quite as high on Zubac as his statistical projections would suggest, since they were compiled in a short stint in the Serbian League after he joined Mega Vizura midway through last season.
Nonetheless, getting a 7-footer with Zubac's offensive potential in the second round is a coup for the Lakers, whose depth chart at center is essentially empty since Roy Hibbert and backups Tarik Black and Robert Sacre are free agents.
Patrick McCaw (38)
Golden State Warriors
Projection: 0.4
Actual value: 1.3
Difference: plus-0.9 (3rd)
The Warriors took some of the profit they turned from playing seven-game series in both the conference finals and NBA Finals and invested it in McCaw, buying the 38th pick from the Milwaukee Bucks.
I've been thinking of McCaw as Corey Brewer with better ballhandling, but now that he's in Golden State, a lesser version of Andre Iguodala might be a better comparison. Since Iguodala, 32, is entering the final season of his contract, the Warriors could use such a player.
Tyler Ulis (34)
Phoenix Suns
Projection: 0.5
Actual value: 1.4
Difference: plus-0.9 (4th)
Based on pure talent, Ulis was clearly a first-round pick, and probably good enough to go in the top 20, despite his small stature.
His drop to the second round appears to be largely a function of concerns that he might need hip surgery. In the second round, the possibility of losing him for a year isn't a huge worry.
The Suns have both Eric Bledsoe and Brandon Knight at point guard (for now at least), but have preferred a pure point guard off the bench, a role that veteran Ronnie Price played last season. Ulis can fill that slot.
Best undrafted players
Fred VanVleet | Wichita State | Projection: 1.7
VanVleet had the best stats-only projection of any NCAA player by my model, though he didn't fare nearly as well by other college translations.
Still, VanVleet looks like a capable backup in the NBA because of his sure-handed playmaking.
He told his hometown Rockford (Illinois) Register Star that he passed on offers to be drafted in the second round and stashed in the D-League. Instead, according to DraftExpress, VanVleet will play summer league ball for the Toronto Raptors.
Gary Payton II | Oregon State | Projection: 1.2
Payton going undrafted was more of a surprise. Despite his advanced age and limited offensive skills, the son of the Hall of Fame point guard projects as a strong perimeter defender in the NBA.
Apparently, the younger Payton may yet find a place in the league. Chris Haynes of the Plain Dealer reported soon after the draft that Payton will sign a three-year deal with the Rockets.
Worst lottery values
Jaylen Brown (3)
Boston Celtics
Expected value: 3.1
Projection: 1.0
Difference: minus-2.1 (last)
The stats-only component of Brown's projection is actually minus-0.5 WARP, making him one of the least productive prospects taken in the top 10 in recent memory.
In fact, in the last 10 years, Joe Alexander and Austin Rivers are the only other top-10 picks with negative projections.
There are certainly reasons to believe Brown will outperform that projection, since he's highly regarded by scouts and was more productive at the prep level. Still, I don't think such speculation justifies taking him over Bender.
Taurean Prince (12)
Atlanta Hawks
Expected value: 1.6
Projection: 0.9
Difference: minus-0.7 (7th worst)
Technically, Prince is still a member of the Utah Jazz, since the three-team trade that sent his rights to Atlanta can't be completed until after the NBA free-agent moratorium concludes on July 7.
As the return for the Hawks giving up Jeff Teague in that deal, Prince's projections are underwhelming. Prince has potential as a 3-and-D role player in Hawks University, and he is reminiscent of former Atlanta forward DeMarre Carroll.
But Prince was widely considered a late first-rounder, and his stats-only projection was relatively weak even there.
Worst first-round values
Timothe Luwawu-Cabarrot (24)
Philadelphia 76ers
Expected value: 0.9
Projection: minus-0.1
Difference: minus-0.9 (4th worst)
Luwawu actually went a little lower than I took him in my Grade A mock draft (No. 21 to Atlanta, filling the same role Prince actually will). Luwawu's best skill -- individual defense -- isn't captured in the box score, so he is likely to outperform his projection.
Nonetheless, the Sixers passed on McCaw, who has similar tools but has been far more productive to date.
Damian Jones (30)
Golden State Warriors
Expected value: 0.6
Projection: minus-0.2
Difference: minus-0.8 (5th worst)
In three years at Vanderbilt, Jones put up decent-looking stats, but he's a poor defensive rebounder and his weak steal rate is a negative indicator. (Yes, even for a center, steal rate is revealing.)
So he projects below replacement level in the NBA. Worse yet, Jones is coming off surgery to repair a torn pectoral muscle.
The Warriors took Kevon Looney last year even though he needed shoulder surgery, which eventually cost him most of his rookie season. At least Looney was a good value where Golden State took him. That's not so clear with Jones.
http://espn.go.com/nba/insider/story/_/id/16480522/best-worst-2016-nba-draft-picks-kevin-pelton
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Re: The Dragan Bender, Marquese Chriss and Tyler Ulis highlight/homer thread
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Re: The Dragan Bender, Marquese Chriss and Tyler Ulis highlight/homer thread
Yeah, Pelton's been pretty high on Bender. I don't know much about Pelton and past drafts, but another advanced stats guy who was high on Bender was Layne Vashro, who got a job with the Denver Nuggets the last two years.
Here's a tool where you can see where the Suns draftees ranked in various advanced stats guys and mocks and a combination of those things:
http://www.tothemean.com/tools/draft-models/#/2016/dv2/all
The model also really likes Jamal Murray, so no surprise the Nuggets got him. They're low-key gonna be really promising.
Here's a tool where you can see where the Suns draftees ranked in various advanced stats guys and mocks and a combination of those things:
http://www.tothemean.com/tools/draft-models/#/2016/dv2/all
The model also really likes Jamal Murray, so no surprise the Nuggets got him. They're low-key gonna be really promising.
Re: The Dragan Bender, Marquese Chriss and Tyler Ulis highlight/homer thread
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Re: The Dragan Bender, Marquese Chriss and Tyler Ulis highlight/homer thread
Villalobos wrote:Yeah, Pelton's been pretty high on Bender. I don't know much about Pelton and past drafts, but another advanced stats guy who was high on Bender was Layne Vashro, who got a job with the Denver Nuggets the last two years.
Here's a tool where you can see where the Suns draftees ranked in various advanced stats guys and mocks and a combination of those things:
http://www.tothemean.com/tools/draft-models/#/2016/dv2/all
The model also really likes Jamal Murray, so no surprise the Nuggets got him. They're low-key gonna be really promising.
Yeah, I posted it a few times here. For international players he's been pretty good. The highest international player his projection had since he started doing it was Rubio, but Bender wasn't far behind, and ahead of Jokic and Nurkic who also ranked higher. His projections also ranked him 2nd in the draft ahead of Ingram.
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"First, they fascinate the fools. Then, they muzzle the intelligent."
"First, they fascinate the fools. Then, they muzzle the intelligent."
Re: The Dragan Bender, Marquese Chriss and Tyler Ulis highlight/homer thread
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Re: The Dragan Bender, Marquese Chriss and Tyler Ulis highlight/homer thread
I assume those Bender clips are in order of when they happened. I heard that once he got a lot more minutes near the end he had some very nice games..it looks like his #s steadily improved throughout the season the more he played. That was probably good experience. I'd guess playing there is probably better than experience playing in the PAC 12, but of course Chriss played far more minutes, though he needed to because he is clearly behind Bender. What is great about having Bender for Chriss, is that maybe Chriss can pick up some things from Bender. Not sure, because is IQ doesn't seem to be as high, but I guess that could be selling him short as he was somewhat new, probably didn't have the best coaching, and was playing with a wild raw PG too.
I think they will be good for each other. Booker will be good for both of them. Ulis too. Have never been this excited for summer league.
I think they will be good for each other. Booker will be good for both of them. Ulis too. Have never been this excited for summer league.
When asked how Fascism starts, Bertrand Russell once said:
"First, they fascinate the fools. Then, they muzzle the intelligent."
"First, they fascinate the fools. Then, they muzzle the intelligent."
Re: The Dragan Bender, Marquese Chriss and Tyler Ulis highlight/homer thread
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Re: The Dragan Bender, Marquese Chriss and Tyler Ulis highlight/homer thread
Neutral (somewhat) opinion. I've been following that kid since he was 15 when I first noticed him at 2013 FIBA Eurobasket U-16. He averaged 10-11-4 with 2 blocks over the tournamen. His offensive role was very small cause of early-bloomers on his team. When I've first seen him, he was the skinniest yet most talented 15 year old 6'11 guy I've ever seen in person.
In 2014 at the 2014. FIBA Eurobasket U-18, he played against the competition that was a year older than him. Again with limited role on offense, he put 14-11-5 with 2 blocks per game. Croatia eventually won the bronze while Bender was elected to All-Tournament team.
You must understand that Bender went to Israel, completely new world for him, at the age of 16. He played his first season very well for Maccabi's ''farm club'' in second Israeli league. Second year was his first season in Maccabi first team and it was turbulent season for both Bender and Maccabi. Maccabi was absolutely disastrous this past season, changed the coach twice and Bender had no real role, he barely played in that awful situation. Have in mind that Maccabi is Euroleague powerhouse club and the expectations are always huge. That was no good condition for a guy that was 17/18 at the time.
At the end of the season, he got his playing time, not much but steady 15-20 minutes per game. He was very good then considering his very limited role.
Talent was never the question this last season, it was his role that was non-existent.
I also believe he will be more ready for pre-season than you expect. Also, I believe he will fascinate you once you see him on the court. I tell, this kid is something special.
So, I'm not quite sure you understand that you got yourself your own 'unicorn' in Dragan Bender. Mark my words and wait for the season to start. I'm sure you will see many glimpses of his ability already this season.
In 2014 at the 2014. FIBA Eurobasket U-18, he played against the competition that was a year older than him. Again with limited role on offense, he put 14-11-5 with 2 blocks per game. Croatia eventually won the bronze while Bender was elected to All-Tournament team.
You must understand that Bender went to Israel, completely new world for him, at the age of 16. He played his first season very well for Maccabi's ''farm club'' in second Israeli league. Second year was his first season in Maccabi first team and it was turbulent season for both Bender and Maccabi. Maccabi was absolutely disastrous this past season, changed the coach twice and Bender had no real role, he barely played in that awful situation. Have in mind that Maccabi is Euroleague powerhouse club and the expectations are always huge. That was no good condition for a guy that was 17/18 at the time.
At the end of the season, he got his playing time, not much but steady 15-20 minutes per game. He was very good then considering his very limited role.
Talent was never the question this last season, it was his role that was non-existent.
I also believe he will be more ready for pre-season than you expect. Also, I believe he will fascinate you once you see him on the court. I tell, this kid is something special.
So, I'm not quite sure you understand that you got yourself your own 'unicorn' in Dragan Bender. Mark my words and wait for the season to start. I'm sure you will see many glimpses of his ability already this season.