Dragan Bender News, Discussion and Highlights
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Re: Dragan Bender News, Discussion and Highlights
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Re: Dragan Bender News, Discussion and Highlights
that was one of the plays it bothers me, shoot the ball or after you pass it circle around so you're actually somewhere out from underneath the backwards to try to make another basketball play.
Re: Dragan Bender News, Discussion and Highlights
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Re: Dragan Bender News, Discussion and Highlights
https://cleaningtheglass.com/the-post-up-is-dead-long-live-the-post-up/
Enjoyed this article on Cleaning the Glass about the how the post up has changed in the analytics era of the NBA. I think it is very inline with how Dragan Bender will (hopefully) fit in the NBA game. The 1-on-1 post up is statistically one of the worst shots in the game, and while it should definitely be part of any big man's game when they have a mismatch, it's just not a major part of NBA offenses anymore. The reality is that Dragan will likely never be the type to take his man into the post and dominate him, but he can fit a more skill-based post game very well with his passing ability, outside shot, and mobility if he can iron out his ball handling skills/be more aggressive with the ball. Certainly no guarantee that it happens, and he has a ways to go, but if he develops well over the next few years then his skill set definitely fits where the game is going.
Enjoyed this article on Cleaning the Glass about the how the post up has changed in the analytics era of the NBA. I think it is very inline with how Dragan Bender will (hopefully) fit in the NBA game. The 1-on-1 post up is statistically one of the worst shots in the game, and while it should definitely be part of any big man's game when they have a mismatch, it's just not a major part of NBA offenses anymore. The reality is that Dragan will likely never be the type to take his man into the post and dominate him, but he can fit a more skill-based post game very well with his passing ability, outside shot, and mobility if he can iron out his ball handling skills/be more aggressive with the ball. Certainly no guarantee that it happens, and he has a ways to go, but if he develops well over the next few years then his skill set definitely fits where the game is going.
Re: Dragan Bender News, Discussion and Highlights
- lilfishi22
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Re: Dragan Bender News, Discussion and Highlights
darealjuice wrote:https://cleaningtheglass.com/the-post-up-is-dead-long-live-the-post-up/
Enjoyed this article on Cleaning the Glass about the how the post up has changed in the analytics era of the NBA. I think it is very inline with how Dragan Bender will (hopefully) fit in the NBA game. The 1-on-1 post up is statistically one of the worst shots in the game, and while it should definitely be part of any big man's game when they have a mismatch, it's just not a major part of NBA offenses anymore. The reality is that Dragan will likely never be the type to take his man into the post and dominate him, but he can fit a more skill-based post game very well with his passing ability, outside shot, and mobility if he can iron out his ball handling skills/be more aggressive with the ball. Certainly no guarantee that it happens, and he has a ways to go, but if he develops well over the next few years then his skill set definitely fits where the game is going.
Unfortunately, you're talking about a dying game, one among many that Bender seemingly has no interest in playing. He has potential to be the perfect fit in tomorrow's NBA but right now he's 2010 Channing Frye
Re: Dragan Bender News, Discussion and Highlights
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Re: Dragan Bender News, Discussion and Highlights
darealjuice wrote:https://cleaningtheglass.com/the-post-up-is-dead-long-live-the-post-up/
Enjoyed this article on Cleaning the Glass about the how the post up has changed in the analytics era of the NBA. I think it is very inline with how Dragan Bender will (hopefully) fit in the NBA game. The 1-on-1 post up is statistically one of the worst shots in the game, and while it should definitely be part of any big man's game when they have a mismatch, it's just not a major part of NBA offenses anymore. The reality is that Dragan will likely never be the type to take his man into the post and dominate him, but he can fit a more skill-based post game very well with his passing ability, outside shot, and mobility if he can iron out his ball handling skills/be more aggressive with the ball. Certainly no guarantee that it happens, and he has a ways to go, but if he develops well over the next few years then his skill set definitely fits where the game is going.
Loved that D'Antoni interview. Watched the first 3 1/2 minutes. Good stuff.
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Re: Dragan Bender News, Discussion and Highlights
lilfishi22 wrote:darealjuice wrote:https://cleaningtheglass.com/the-post-up-is-dead-long-live-the-post-up/
Enjoyed this article on Cleaning the Glass about the how the post up has changed in the analytics era of the NBA. I think it is very inline with how Dragan Bender will (hopefully) fit in the NBA game. The 1-on-1 post up is statistically one of the worst shots in the game, and while it should definitely be part of any big man's game when they have a mismatch, it's just not a major part of NBA offenses anymore. The reality is that Dragan will likely never be the type to take his man into the post and dominate him, but he can fit a more skill-based post game very well with his passing ability, outside shot, and mobility if he can iron out his ball handling skills/be more aggressive with the ball. Certainly no guarantee that it happens, and he has a ways to go, but if he develops well over the next few years then his skill set definitely fits where the game is going.
Unfortunately, you're talking about a dying game, one among many that Bender seemingly has no interest in playing. He has potential to be the perfect fit in tomorrow's NBA but right now he's 2010 Channing Frye
‘10 Frye is a good comparison for where he’ll likely end up as a player. I think his floor is Ryan Anderson and ceiling is Kelly Olynyk (who has turned into a solid player I may add).
Re: Dragan Bender News, Discussion and Highlights
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lilfishi22 wrote:kennydorglas wrote:lilfishi22 wrote:This is what he was drafted for. If he actually did it consistently, even if not effectively, he'd look much better as a prospect. The fact that he's essentially a simple 7 foot 3&D guy right now is extremely frustrating.
And then I always remember Watson asking Dragan to shoot 10 threes per game.
This never made any sense for me and Bender probably felt the same.
Why would you take away his best offensive tool?
I honestly believe Watson ruined him and as we know his personality now... it'll be quite hard to bring this back.
As a rookie, you do what you can to be productive and stay on the floor. Clearly Watson and Bender recognized that being able to hit the 3 while playing D is what's getting him to the dance. I don't really have a problem with that, especially when it comes to young, risky Euro prospects. You want to build their confidence by finding what they're good at and what will keep them on the floor. This is only acceptable in his rookie season.
What's disappointing and unacceptable in my books is with his rookie season out of the way, he hasn't really expanded on his game any further and that's where I put the blame on Watson. If Watson's development plan for Bender is to keep doing what he's doing while ignoring virtually every other offensive skill Bender has, then he has to take the blame.
I think it’s kind of bizarre to blame Watson for all the players shortcomings. Tyler Ulis has a terrible second season...Watson ruined him! Marquese Chriss forgets how to play basketball...Watson ruined him! Dragan Bender ‘nough said....Watson ruined him!
Watson was a bad HC, agreed but these players are PROFESSIONAL basketball players, i think some responsibility falls on them.
Devin Booker didn’t seem to forget to play basketball under Earl Watson. TJ Warren had his best season without Watson “ruining” him. Even worse HCs like Jason Kidd had top 5 player in Giannis who Kidd didn’t “ruin”.
I think people overestimate how much a bad headcoach can influence a player. If you’re a good player then you can’t look like a player who is brand new to learning how to dribble a ball no matter how bad the HC is. You overcome that stuff to a certain extent imo.
Re: Dragan Bender News, Discussion and Highlights
- thamadkant
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Re: Dragan Bender News, Discussion and Highlights
Revived wrote:lilfishi22 wrote:darealjuice wrote:https://cleaningtheglass.com/the-post-up-is-dead-long-live-the-post-up/
Enjoyed this article on Cleaning the Glass about the how the post up has changed in the analytics era of the NBA. I think it is very inline with how Dragan Bender will (hopefully) fit in the NBA game. The 1-on-1 post up is statistically one of the worst shots in the game, and while it should definitely be part of any big man's game when they have a mismatch, it's just not a major part of NBA offenses anymore. The reality is that Dragan will likely never be the type to take his man into the post and dominate him, but he can fit a more skill-based post game very well with his passing ability, outside shot, and mobility if he can iron out his ball handling skills/be more aggressive with the ball. Certainly no guarantee that it happens, and he has a ways to go, but if he develops well over the next few years then his skill set definitely fits where the game is going.
Unfortunately, you're talking about a dying game, one among many that Bender seemingly has no interest in playing. He has potential to be the perfect fit in tomorrow's NBA but right now he's 2010 Channing Frye
‘10 Frye is a good comparison for where he’ll likely end up as a player. I think his floor is Ryan Anderson and ceiling is Kelly Olynyk (who has turned into a solid player I may add).
What?
Prime Ryan Anderson was a double double machine for Orlando... Legit stretch big who can rebound...starter material playoff and finals.
Kelly Olynyk is 7th man ... At best.
Troy Murphy today would kill it...elite rebounder and 3pt shooter.
Re: Dragan Bender News, Discussion and Highlights
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1UPZ wrote:Revived wrote:lilfishi22 wrote:Unfortunately, you're talking about a dying game, one among many that Bender seemingly has no interest in playing. He has potential to be the perfect fit in tomorrow's NBA but right now he's 2010 Channing Frye
‘10 Frye is a good comparison for where he’ll likely end up as a player. I think his floor is Ryan Anderson and ceiling is Kelly Olynyk (who has turned into a solid player I may add).
What?
Prime Ryan Anderson was a double double machine for Orlando... Legit stretch big who can rebound...starter material playoff and finals.
Kelly Olynyk is 7th man ... At best.
Troy Murphy today would kill it...elite rebounder and 3pt shooter.
I meant the Rockets version of Ryno.
And I think you’re underestimating KO
viewtopic.php?t=1691432
Re: Dragan Bender News, Discussion and Highlights
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Re: Dragan Bender News, Discussion and Highlights
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That BLender PnR at 0:35 is a thing of beauty. Both bigs are out on the perimeter, neither of whom can get back to the hoop quick enough
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Re: Dragan Bender News, Discussion and Highlights
gaspar wrote:Papa G's dad was right.
Well, it is not over.
I agree about that he has been disappointing so far, but I am ready to give him another full season to see if he improves his game.
The main problem is that he went to the NBA too young. His body, mind and skillset were not ready AT ALL.
I read somewhere a Dino Radja's interview from a couple of years ago. He said that he was really surprised that Bender went to the NBA that early and he said something like " they are gonna eat him alive". And he has been right so far.
What I like about him is that he has a good head over his shoulders and a good basketball IQ.
Those two things next to his 3p shooting and height have to be enough to make him a solid NBA role player. If he improves other areas of his game he can be even an starter in this league for years to come.
But he MUST show improvement during next season. Good performance on the court, not just potential.
I am hopeful yet. I think that he can be a good player over the next few years.
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eitanr
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The more highlights I see the more I feel Bender needs to be a spacing 5 ideally alongside a defensive minded 4. Alongside Criss is okay, but Jackson long term at that slot makes far more sense.
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Re: Dragan Bender News, Discussion and Highlights
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Re: Dragan Bender News, Discussion and Highlights
lilfishi22 wrote:darealjuice wrote:https://cleaningtheglass.com/the-post-up-is-dead-long-live-the-post-up/
Enjoyed this article on Cleaning the Glass about the how the post up has changed in the analytics era of the NBA. I think it is very inline with how Dragan Bender will (hopefully) fit in the NBA game. The 1-on-1 post up is statistically one of the worst shots in the game, and while it should definitely be part of any big man's game when they have a mismatch, it's just not a major part of NBA offenses anymore. The reality is that Dragan will likely never be the type to take his man into the post and dominate him, but he can fit a more skill-based post game very well with his passing ability, outside shot, and mobility if he can iron out his ball handling skills/be more aggressive with the ball. Certainly no guarantee that it happens, and he has a ways to go, but if he develops well over the next few years then his skill set definitely fits where the game is going.
Unfortunately, you're talking about a dying game, one among many that Bender seemingly has no interest in playing. He has potential to be the perfect fit in tomorrow's NBA but right now he's 2010 Channing Frye
Except Frye was useful as a stretch 4 Because he made defenses think he was a threat to score.
Re: Dragan Bender News, Discussion and Highlights
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Re: Dragan Bender News, Discussion and Highlights
1UPZ wrote:lilfishi22 wrote:darealjuice wrote:https://cleaningtheglass.com/the-post-up-is-dead-long-live-the-post-up/
Enjoyed this article on Cleaning the Glass about the how the post up has changed in the analytics era of the NBA. I think it is very inline with how Dragan Bender will (hopefully) fit in the NBA game. The 1-on-1 post up is statistically one of the worst shots in the game, and while it should definitely be part of any big man's game when they have a mismatch, it's just not a major part of NBA offenses anymore. The reality is that Dragan will likely never be the type to take his man into the post and dominate him, but he can fit a more skill-based post game very well with his passing ability, outside shot, and mobility if he can iron out his ball handling skills/be more aggressive with the ball. Certainly no guarantee that it happens, and he has a ways to go, but if he develops well over the next few years then his skill set definitely fits where the game is going.
Unfortunately, you're talking about a dying game, one among many that Bender seemingly has no interest in playing. He has potential to be the perfect fit in tomorrow's NBA but right now he's 2010 Channing Frye
Except Frye was useful as a stretch 4 Because he made defenses think he was a threat to score.
Except you don't draft Channing Frye at #4 in 2017.
Re: Dragan Bender News, Discussion and Highlights
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Re: Dragan Bender News, Discussion and Highlights
Bender is half the player Frye was in 2010, and he was a role player. Let that settle in.
11.2ppg, 5.3 rpg, 1.4 apg, 1bpg on 44/43/81 splits and 15 PER in just 27 minutes. Frye was a baller.
Bender in almost the same amount of minutes (25) has 6.5/4.4/1.6/0.6 on 38/36/76 splits and a 7.1 PER
The thing is, his minutes are already high for a 2nd year player who showed nothing. Usually, guys who improve a lot or even contend for MIP go from 10-15 minutes to 20-25 and not only have their raw production up to about 50% (as expected by the minutes) but get their efficiency to a new level
Bender is at 25 minutes. 30+ minutes is starter material, and he's not going to get that right now, so basically he has to completely tranform his game and in the same minutes score twice as much, get 2 more rebounds, be A HELL more efficient just to be a very good 25 minute role player.
Last year we could say that he had no opportunities, and it was true. 13 minutes per game is considerable, but we all wanted to know what he could do with 20+ and many 30 minute games to show his value. What happened was that his sophomore season was practically the same as his rookie year.
I mean, his per 36 numbers are IDENTICAL if you ignore splits (I'll give him that), but honestly it 's impoissible to get worse than probably the least efficient season in history.

11.2ppg, 5.3 rpg, 1.4 apg, 1bpg on 44/43/81 splits and 15 PER in just 27 minutes. Frye was a baller.
Bender in almost the same amount of minutes (25) has 6.5/4.4/1.6/0.6 on 38/36/76 splits and a 7.1 PER
The thing is, his minutes are already high for a 2nd year player who showed nothing. Usually, guys who improve a lot or even contend for MIP go from 10-15 minutes to 20-25 and not only have their raw production up to about 50% (as expected by the minutes) but get their efficiency to a new level
Bender is at 25 minutes. 30+ minutes is starter material, and he's not going to get that right now, so basically he has to completely tranform his game and in the same minutes score twice as much, get 2 more rebounds, be A HELL more efficient just to be a very good 25 minute role player.
Last year we could say that he had no opportunities, and it was true. 13 minutes per game is considerable, but we all wanted to know what he could do with 20+ and many 30 minute games to show his value. What happened was that his sophomore season was practically the same as his rookie year.
I mean, his per 36 numbers are IDENTICAL if you ignore splits (I'll give him that), but honestly it 's impoissible to get worse than probably the least efficient season in history.

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Ettorefm wrote:Bender is half the player Frye was in 2010, and he was a role player. Let that settle in.
11.2ppg, 5.3 rpg, 1.4 apg, 1bpg on 44/43/81 splits and 15 PER in just 27 minutes. Frye was a baller.
Bender in almost the same amount of minutes (25) has 6.5/4.4/1.6/0.6 on 38/36/76 splits and a 7.1 PER
The thing is, his minutes are already high for a 2nd year player who showed nothing. Usually, guys who improve a lot or even contend for MIP go from 10-15 minutes to 20-25 and not only have their raw production up to about 50% (as expected by the minutes) but get their efficiency to a new level
Bender is at 25 minutes. 30+ minutes is starter material, and he's not going to get that right now, so basically he has to completely tranform his game and in the same minutes score twice as much, get 2 more rebounds, be A HELL more efficient just to be a very good 25 minute role player.
Last year we could say that he had no opportunities, and it was true. 13 minutes per game is considerable, but we all wanted to know what he could do with 20+ and many 30 minute games to show his value. What happened was that his sophomore season was practically the same as his rookie year.
I mean, his per 36 numbers are IDENTICAL if you ignore splits (I'll give him that), but honestly it 's impoissible to get worse than probably the least efficient season in history.
Channing Frye was also like a 27 year old dude in 2010.
When Frye was Bender's age he was averaging 12 PPG in college.
Agreed this wasn't a good year for Bender, but he's got a long ways to go before we really know what we have; I still think if coached correctly he's going to be a very good role player and floor spacer.
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Channing Frye was also like a 27 year old dude in 2010.
Fine then. Frye as a 21/22 yo rookie had 12.3/5.8 on 47/33/82 splits and a 18 PER in less minutes than Bender (24)
Just waiting for the "Yeah but Bender is a year younger, just wait"
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Ettorefm wrote:Channing Frye was also like a 27 year old dude in 2010.
Fine then. Frye as a 21/22 yo rookie had 12.3/5.8 on 47/33/82 splits and a 18 PER in less minutes than Bender (24)
Just waiting for the "Yeah but Bender is a year younger, just wait"
I think its strange that people get so annoyed, or seem to dismissive when fans bring up how young Bender is.
I get it, it sounds like an excuse -- and in some ways it is -- but its also a pretty good reason why his play has been uneven and lackluster.
Players tend to get better as they get older and this was a guy who missed most of his first year and was already considered somewhat of a project.
Let him get past his 21st birthday and have an actual coach in place and then lets see what we have.
And don't get me wrong, I'm not thrilled with what we saw this year from Bender or Chriss, but honestly its about what I expected.
Re: Dragan Bender News, Discussion and Highlights
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Re: Dragan Bender News, Discussion and Highlights
Ettorefm wrote:Channing Frye was also like a 27 year old dude in 2010.
Fine then. Frye as a 21/22 yo rookie had 12.3/5.8 on 47/33/82 splits and a 18 PER in less minutes than Bender (24)
Just waiting for the "Yeah but Bender is a year younger, just wait"
He shot 9 3 pointers as a rookie. His second year at 23 he shot 16.7% on 18 attempts. Then in his 3rd he shot 30% of 9 attempts. I wouldn't have called him much of a shooter then.
It's dumb to compare his early years to Bender anyway because he played inside, and wasn't instructed to stand at the 3 pt line and just launch 3s for most of his first two years.
Surprised people still use PER so much in 2018.






