Dragan Bender News, Discussion and Highlights

[Mjee]

Bender is so soft! I want him out this summer

[Wilber85]

Bender sucks, and so does Chriss

Give me Mirotic or draft me Bagley, Ayton, MJP, etc.

[bigfoot]

Not playing so passive. This is all Bender's critics are expecting from him. JJ was overly-aggressive and he learned from it. This is part of the development.

Bender will develop from it too. Defenses changed a bit on him since his 3-point shot started falling consistently, and he hasn't developed his skills enough to consistently counter how teams play him now. Teams know that he's not the most comfortable off the dribble yet, so they can close hard on him to contest shots without the fear of him faking and driving by them. They can even switch a guard on him because he's not strong enough to post up most veteran players and his post game is limited to simple hook shots and finding shooters/cutters right now. Josh has that athleticism and ball handling that makes it tough to guard him, no one is having trouble guarding a big guy that can only shoot 3s and isn't comfortable attacking off the dribble consistently.

That all can change quickly though. The hardest parts are done: he knows how to shoot very well, he plays sound defense (especially for a 20 year old), and he knows the game. He's flashed the ball handling skills he needs to be more than a spot up shooter on the perimeter, and in another offseason or two he'll be much more comfortable giving a pump fake for a one-dribble pull up or attacking the rim than he is now. Even if some of his passes aren't the most impressive, it's tough to deny that he has very good court vision, and that's a huge advantage for the tallest player on the floor. He wasn't going to go from a 7 foot string bean to a chiseled man in a year or two, that takes time for huge ass dudes that play high intensity basketball every single day. This was always going to take time, anything else would have been a very welcome surprise. The upside for a 20 year old 7 footer that's already comfortable defending most positions, shoots 38% from 3 on almost 4 attempts a game, and has had more assists in the last 5 games than he did his entire rookie year is clear as day and worth some patience, as frustrating as it can be at times.

I can understand starting to give up and lose patience for Quese (even if I haven't). 6'9" athletic players with developing shots, foul problems, and questionable basketball IQ aren't exactly the rarest players. I'll take Dragan's problems of being underdeveloped and too passive/unselfish at this stage in his career with his upside every single day.

So Bender is skilled no doubt, but during his exit interview in April the coaches will tell him you need to train hard this summer at being aggressive? Hmmm ... tell me so drills he could do for that. Sounds like he needs to spend some time on a coach with a therapist.

[sunsbg]

Instead of searching for a therapist just bench Bender and Chriss for a game, it worked with JJ. Have Peters start the next game, can't get any worse.

[darealjuice]

So Bender is skilled no doubt, but during his exit interview in April the coaches will tell him you need to train hard this summer at being aggressive? Hmmm ... tell me so drills he could do for that. Sounds like he needs to spend some time on a coach with a therapist.

The confidence to be aggressive doesn't just come from nowhere. If you're not confident in your ball handling, then you're probably not attacking players 1 on 1 a lot. If your shot is busted and you're not confident in it, then you're probably not shooting a lot of jumpers in games. He needs to develop his skills to the point where he's confident using them against players in an NBA game environment. You could probably count the number of times he has dribbled with his left hand in his career with your fingers, yet people here think he should be aggressive trying to attack off the dribble and shoot almost every time he has the ball. He's clearly not comfortable enough with his ball handling to do that yet, and all forcing it now is going to do is lead to more frustration and turnovers. I don't think I need to give you drills on how to improve his ball handling or post game, and I don't need to tell you that he needs to hit the gym because you already know that.

I don't doubt that a sports therapist would help him out, but a lot of athletes see them. You guys act like he's a mental midget when he's just playing within the skills he has right now. Think about when you go hoop at the gym/park: is it better to be the guy that clearly can't dribble with both hands but tries to go Kyrie Irving every time he has the ball or the guy that knows what he's good at and does it? I don't think I need to answer that question.

The issue is that if Bender and our staff don't put in the work to get him there, then he is what he is.

[Mjee]

His lack of killer instinct depresses me. Show some heart Dragan!!!!

He can have all the skill and potential in the world but if can't dig deep and channel a little aggression he won't be worth jack s**t.

Honestly, my patience with him is super thin at this point.

Dragan, here is a message for you these next 16 games:

Play every game like it is your last. Nobody is guaranteed tomorrow in this crazy life that we all lead. You have all the necessary tools to become successful in this league. You can become something special. However, if you continue to stay the course you are on, you might as well head back to Europe!!! You can't continue to play passive and expect to stay on this suns team. Show some heart and attack the basket when given the opportunity. Become a constant threat on offense, look to score. Sadly, if your play continues, you will never amount to anything in this league. Please show us why you were the 4th pick in the draft. The phoenix suns need players that give a damn, and right now you don't. Currently, I don't think you belong on this team. I don't think you care. Prove me wrong or pack your bags!

[Ettorefm]

So Bender is skilled no doubt, but during his exit interview in April the coaches will tell him you need to train hard this summer at being aggressive? Hmmm ... tell me so drills he could do for that. Sounds like he needs to spend some time on a coach with a therapist.

The confidence to be aggressive doesn't just come from nowhere. If you're not confident in your ball handling, then you're probably not attacking players 1 on 1 a lot. If your shot is busted and you're not confident in it, then you're probably not shooting a lot of jumpers in games. He needs to develop his skills to the point where he's confident using them against players in an NBA game environment. You could probably count the number of times he has dribbled with his left hand in his career with your fingers, yet people here think he should be aggressive trying to attack off the dribble and shoot almost every time he has the ball. He's clearly not comfortable enough with his ball handling to do that yet, and all forcing it now is going to do is lead to more frustration and turnovers. I don't think I need to give you drills on how to improve his ball handling or post game, and I don't need to tell you that he needs to hit the gym because you already know that.

I don't doubt that a sports therapist would help him out, but a lot of athletes see them. You guys act like he's a mental midget when he's just playing within the skills he has right now. Think about when you go hoop at the gym/park: is it better to be the guy that clearly can't dribble with both hands but tries to go Kyrie Irving every time he has the ball or the guy that knows what he's good at and does it? I don't think I need to answer that question.

The issue is that if Bender and our staff don't put in the work to get him there, then he is what he is.

You know what happens with players with the exact same skillset and lack of confidence?

They play in th G-league for 10 day contracts.

He has no confidence becuase he lacks skills, so we need to trust he'll develop anything (actually, everything, as he has 2 or 3 particular skills only in his game) over the years so MAYBE he''ll be confident.

30 minutes for that?

[darealjuice]

So Bender is skilled no doubt, but during his exit interview in April the coaches will tell him you need to train hard this summer at being aggressive? Hmmm ... tell me so drills he could do for that. Sounds like he needs to spend some time on a coach with a therapist.

The confidence to be aggressive doesn't just come from nowhere. If you're not confident in your ball handling, then you're probably not attacking players 1 on 1 a lot. If your shot is busted and you're not confident in it, then you're probably not shooting a lot of jumpers in games. He needs to develop his skills to the point where he's confident using them against players in an NBA game environment. You could probably count the number of times he has dribbled with his left hand in his career with your fingers, yet people here think he should be aggressive trying to attack off the dribble and shoot almost every time he has the ball. He's clearly not comfortable enough with his ball handling to do that yet, and all forcing it now is going to do is lead to more frustration and turnovers. I don't think I need to give you drills on how to improve his ball handling or post game, and I don't need to tell you that he needs to hit the gym because you already know that.

I don't doubt that a sports therapist would help him out, but a lot of athletes see them. You guys act like he's a mental midget when he's just playing within the skills he has right now. Think about when you go hoop at the gym/park: is it better to be the guy that clearly can't dribble with both hands but tries to go Kyrie Irving every time he has the ball or the guy that knows what he's good at and does it? I don't think I need to answer that question.

The issue is that if Bender and our staff don't put in the work to get him there, then he is what he is.

You know what happens with players with the exact same skillset and lack of confidence?

They play in th G-league for 10 day contracts.

He has no confidence becuase he lacks skills, so we need to trust he'll develop anything (actually, everything, as he has 2 or 3 particular skills only in his game) over the years so MAYBE he''ll be confident.

30 minutes for that?

Oh please. Go ahead and pull up all of the mobile 20 year old 7 footers on 10 day contracts or in the G-League that are shooting 3s, defending, and passing. There are literally none.

[sunsbg]

The confidence to be aggressive doesn't just come from nowhere. If you're not confident in your ball handling, then you're probably not attacking players 1 on 1 a lot. If your shot is busted and you're not confident in it, then you're probably not shooting a lot of jumpers in games. He needs to develop his skills to the point where he's confident using them against players in an NBA game environment. You could probably count the number of times he has dribbled with his left hand in his career with your fingers, yet people here think he should be aggressive trying to attack off the dribble and shoot almost every time he has the ball. He's clearly not comfortable enough with his ball handling to do that yet, and all forcing it now is going to do is lead to more frustration and turnovers. I don't think I need to give you drills on how to improve his ball handling or post game, and I don't need to tell you that he needs to hit the gym because you already know that.

I don't doubt that a sports therapist would help him out, but a lot of athletes see them. You guys act like he's a mental midget when he's just playing within the skills he has right now. Think about when you go hoop at the gym/park: is it better to be the guy that clearly can't dribble with both hands but tries to go Kyrie Irving every time he has the ball or the guy that knows what he's good at and does it? I don't think I need to answer that question.

The issue is that if Bender and our staff don't put in the work to get him there, then he is what he is.

You know what happens with players with the exact same skillset and lack of confidence?

They play in th G-league for 10 day contracts.

He has no confidence becuase he lacks skills, so we need to trust he'll develop anything (actually, everything, as he has 2 or 3 particular skills only in his game) over the years so MAYBE he''ll be confident.

30 minutes for that?

Oh please. Go ahead and pull up all of the mobile 20 year old 7 footers on 10 day contracts or in the G-League that are shooting 3s, defending, and passing. There are literally none.

As a big believer in Dragan, when do you expect he starts showing those things on a regular basis, instead of the 3pts, 3rbs, 0stls, 0 blks in 30min lines ? How long do you think the team will wait for him to improve his skills instead of acquiring a proven player as there is already a talk by Sarver of turning things around for next season ?

[Preacherpj]

You know what happens with players with the exact same skillset and lack of confidence?

They play in th G-league for 10 day contracts.

He has no confidence becuase he lacks skills, so we need to trust he'll develop anything (actually, everything, as he has 2 or 3 particular skills only in his game) over the years so MAYBE he''ll be confident.

30 minutes for that?

Oh please. Go ahead and pull up all of the mobile 20 year old 7 footers on 10 day contracts or in the G-League that are shooting 3s, defending, and passing. There are literally none.

As a big believer in Dragan, when do you expect he starts showing those things on a regular basis, instead of the 3pts, 3rbs, 0stls, 0 blks in 30min lines ? How long do you think the team will wait for him to improve his skills instead of acquiring a proven player as there is already a talk by Sarver of turning things around for next season ?

Its not an either/or situation.

The team SHOULD acquire frontcourt reinforcements this off-season, they should also continue to develop Dragan Bender.

You don't give up on 20 year olds with his skill set.

[darealjuice]

As a big believer in Dragan, when do you expect he starts showing those things on a regular basis, instead of the 3pts, 3rbs, 0stls, 0 blks in 30min lines ? How long do you think the team will wait for him to improve his skills instead of acquiring a proven player as there is already a talk by Sarver of turning things around for next season ?

I think next year will be when we see some passable production from him. Give him a healthy Summer and training camp with a coach that isn't having professionals do lay-up lines in practice. He put on decent weight, increased his TS% by 8 percentage points, and nearly doubled his assist rate last offseason without getting to spend much time with the team due to Eurobasket. I think Booker is going to take control of this team in the offseason and push the rest of the young guys to get in the gym and work on their game like he does. He knows this team only goes as far as he'll lead it.

I don't think they have any reason not to hold onto him through his rookie contract unless we know we're getting a star. He's cheap, and he will have an affordable 2nd contract if he's showing the necessary improvement but not 100% developed by the time he's 22 and out of his rookie contract, which is likely going to be the case. Just look how it could to bite the Magic with Hezonja. They decided to turn down his 4th year option, and suddenly he looking like he can play basketball this year. Now instead of paying him 4 million next year they risk losing him or potentially paying him more money to keep him.

I could see us moving for a more developed power forward if the right one comes around this offseason, or by the trade deadline next year/next off season if Bender/Quese don't show the necessary improvements. I don't think that means that we'll give up on him though, more that we'll move him to a bench role to develop under an established player.

[Preacherpj]

I know people get sick of hearing it; but I still don't think people are really looking at the fact that he's 20 years old.

We are talking about a kid who isn't going to be in his prime for ANOTHER 5 years! And then he missed most of his first year with injury, he was saddled with maybe the worst coaching staff in the NBA and he came into the draft as a kid that would need some time and development even if he went to the perfect system with amazing coaches.

The lack of patience with the Suns organization is warranted; but the lack of patience with Bender feels odd to me.

I also think people need to come to grips with the fact that he's likely not going to be a star and that stinks to invest the 4th overall pick in that, but that doesn't mean he can't become a really good winning player on the next great Suns team.

I really see a guy who's going to be a stretch-forward that spaces defenses, can adequately guard a couple positions and will make the correct basketball decisions. That's a player that's going to help us win games.

[Ettorefm]

The confidence to be aggressive doesn't just come from nowhere. If you're not confident in your ball handling, then you're probably not attacking players 1 on 1 a lot. If your shot is busted and you're not confident in it, then you're probably not shooting a lot of jumpers in games. He needs to develop his skills to the point where he's confident using them against players in an NBA game environment. You could probably count the number of times he has dribbled with his left hand in his career with your fingers, yet people here think he should be aggressive trying to attack off the dribble and shoot almost every time he has the ball. He's clearly not comfortable enough with his ball handling to do that yet, and all forcing it now is going to do is lead to more frustration and turnovers. I don't think I need to give you drills on how to improve his ball handling or post game, and I don't need to tell you that he needs to hit the gym because you already know that.

I don't doubt that a sports therapist would help him out, but a lot of athletes see them. You guys act like he's a mental midget when he's just playing within the skills he has right now. Think about when you go hoop at the gym/park: is it better to be the guy that clearly can't dribble with both hands but tries to go Kyrie Irving every time he has the ball or the guy that knows what he's good at and does it? I don't think I need to answer that question.

The issue is that if Bender and our staff don't put in the work to get him there, then he is what he is.

You know what happens with players with the exact same skillset and lack of confidence?

They play in th G-league for 10 day contracts.

He has no confidence becuase he lacks skills, so we need to trust he'll develop anything (actually, everything, as he has 2 or 3 particular skills only in his game) over the years so MAYBE he''ll be confident.

30 minutes for that?

Oh please. Go ahead and pull up all of the mobile 20 year old 7 footers on 10 day contracts or in the G-League that are shooting 3s, defending, and passing. There are literally none.

Defending and passing

That's his whole skillset? shooting 3s wide open (sometimes) on low volume, playing defense and having a few 4 assist games every two weeks? Wow, I'm impressed.

Watch Justin Patton playing in the G-League and learn what a real prospect is. Dude is a future all-star, and he's not afraid of the moment.

[Ettorefm]

I really see a guy who's going to be a stretch-forward that spaces defenses, can adequately guard a couple positions and will make the correct basketball decisions. That's a player that's going to help us win games

That's young spencer hawes on a good night. He used to be a good defender.

No, thank you. 30+ minutes a game for a guy that hides behind his man not to be involved in the game ?

Him being 20 doesn't make any difference when we're talking about a guy who right now is not an NBA player and, according to his biggest defenders, ''is insecure because he doesn't want to risk doing stupid stuff because he can't drive, shoot, post up, cut or finish with either hand"

What a great prospect. He's not a great, skiller player who is just afraid of the big moment (which is acceptable). He's a low-skilled player with tons of flaws and not at all NBa level right now AND is also afraid of the big moment.

He could be 17 and it wouldn't matter to me. I'm still waiting 5 years after drafting Len for him to learn anything. Most people knew what he would become by his 2nd season (he had tons of injuries in his rookie year), him being 19 at the time meant nothing.

[darealjuice]

You know what happens with players with the exact same skillset and lack of confidence?

They play in th G-league for 10 day contracts.

He has no confidence becuase he lacks skills, so we need to trust he'll develop anything (actually, everything, as he has 2 or 3 particular skills only in his game) over the years so MAYBE he''ll be confident.

30 minutes for that?

Oh please. Go ahead and pull up all of the mobile 20 year old 7 footers on 10 day contracts or in the G-League that are shooting 3s, defending, and passing. There are literally none.

Defending and passing

That's his whole skillset? shooting 3s wide open (sometimes) on low volume, playing defense and having a few 4 assist games every two weeks? Wow, I'm impressed.

Watch Justin Patton playing in the G-League and learn what a real prospect is. Dude is a future all-star, and he's not afraid of the moment.

Lol you think Justin Patton is a future All Star? Hilarious, signature worthy stuff. If you believe stuff like that while trashing Bender, then there's no point in talking to you.

[Ettorefm]

Oh please. Go ahead and pull up all of the mobile 20 year old 7 footers on 10 day contracts or in the G-League that are shooting 3s, defending, and passing. There are literally none.

I mentioned one, Patton, and he's clearly better than Bender; he just doesn't have the luxury of playing 30 minutes per game on a team that doesn't care if he scores 2 points 2 rebounds and 2 assists on a single shot attempt because he's too afraid and avoids contact.

Please sig it. I'll love to see you eat crow.

He'll end up being Minny's starter by a year or two. He's everything they need; actually, he's everything Bender should be - Amazing defensive player and shot blocker, jokic-lite passer, great BBIQ, can shoot from anywhere and is strong as a bull.

Aaaaand not afraid to draw contact, take over games, bully anyone who's in his way. Bender seems like he's afraid he's going to get hurt if he tries a contact layup

[darealjuice]

Oh please. Go ahead and pull up all of the mobile 20 year old 7 footers on 10 day contracts or in the G-League that are shooting 3s, defending, and passing. There are literally none.

I mentioned one, Patton, and he's clearly better than Bender; he just doesn't have the luxury of playing 30 minutes per game on a team that doesn't care if he scores 2 points 2 rebounds and 2 assists on a single shot attempt because he's too afraid and avoids contact.

Please sig it. I'll love to see you eat crow.

He'll end up being Minny's starter by a year or two. He's everything they need; actually, he's everything Bender should be - Amazing defensive player and shot blocker, jokic-lite passer, great BBIQ, can shoot from anywhere and is strong as a bull.

Aaaaand not afraid to draw contact, take over games, bully anyone who's in his way. Bender seems like he's afraid he's going to get hurt if he tries a contact layup

Wow lmao I'm done here, you keep watching those G-League highlight reels. I'm sure he'll live up to that amazing defender/shot blocker, Jokic passing, Steph Curry shooting, superstar expectations that you're setting for him when he's not playing against scrubs.

[sunsbg]

Oh please. Go ahead and pull up all of the mobile 20 year old 7 footers on 10 day contracts or in the G-League that are shooting 3s, defending, and passing. There are literally none.

As a big believer in Dragan, when do you expect he starts showing those things on a regular basis, instead of the 3pts, 3rbs, 0stls, 0 blks in 30min lines ? How long do you think the team will wait for him to improve his skills instead of acquiring a proven player as there is already a talk by Sarver of turning things around for next season ?

Its not an either/or situation.

The team SHOULD acquire frontcourt reinforcements this off-season, they should also continue to develop Dragan Bender.

You don't give up on 20 year olds with his skill set.

I agree, but what exactly he developed by sitting on the bench for two years ? Shooting ? OK, but he was supposed to be good at it. Now that he plays 30 mins he is not trying to do anything else. What happens once he plays 15-20 mins off the bench again ? How is a supposedly very high IQ player not going after rebounds playing a C or PF ? Does he really needs to be taught about it ?

[Ettorefm]

Oh please. Go ahead and pull up all of the mobile 20 year old 7 footers on 10 day contracts or in the G-League that are shooting 3s, defending, and passing. There are literally none.

I mentioned one, Patton, and he's clearly better than Bender; he just doesn't have the luxury of playing 30 minutes per game on a team that doesn't care if he scores 2 points 2 rebounds and 2 assists on a single shot attempt because he's too afraid and avoids contact.

Please sig it. I'll love to see you eat crow.

He'll end up being Minny's starter by a year or two. He's everything they need; actually, he's everything Bender should be - Amazing defensive player and shot blocker, jokic-lite passer, great BBIQ, can shoot from anywhere and is strong as a bull.

Aaaaand not afraid to draw contact, take over games, bully anyone who's in his way. Bender seems like he's afraid he's going to get hurt if he tries a contact layup

Wow lmao I'm done here, you keep watching those G-League highlight reels. I'm sure he'll live up to that amazing defender/shot blocker, Jokic passing, Steph Curry shooting, superstar expectations that you're setting for him when he's not playing against scrubs.

You're embarassing yourself. Strawman much? I never said steph curry shooting lol superstar expectations?

You're clearly in over your head. Calm down, then come back.

[darealjuice]

I mentioned one, Patton, and he's clearly better than Bender; he just doesn't have the luxury of playing 30 minutes per game on a team that doesn't care if he scores 2 points 2 rebounds and 2 assists on a single shot attempt because he's too afraid and avoids contact.

Please sig it. I'll love to see you eat crow.

He'll end up being Minny's starter by a year or two. He's everything they need; actually, he's everything Bender should be - Amazing defensive player and shot blocker, jokic-lite passer, great BBIQ, can shoot from anywhere and is strong as a bull.

Aaaaand not afraid to draw contact, take over games, bully anyone who's in his way. Bender seems like he's afraid he's going to get hurt if he tries a contact layup

Wow lmao I'm done here, you keep watching those G-League highlight reels. I'm sure he'll live up to that amazing defender/shot blocker, Jokic passing, Steph Curry shooting, superstar expectations that you're setting for him when he's not playing against scrubs.

You're embarassing yourself. Strawman much? I never said steph curry shooting lol superstar expectations?

You're clearly over your head. Calm down, then come back.

You're calling a G-League player that hasn't played a second in the NBA an amazing defensive player/shot blocker, Jokic-like passer, high basketball IQ player, and shooter from anywhere that's strong as a bull, takes over games, and bullies anyone in his path, and I'm the one who's embarrassing himself? You verbatim called him a future All Star with all of those traits, are those not superstar expectations in this league? You're the one that's clearly in over your head, maybe you should re-evaluate how you try to prove your points outside of extreme hyperbole clown. Put a little gray in that black and white world of yours.