Denver Nuggets NBA Prospect Preview: Intro
By Evan Wheeler
6. Dragan Bender, F, Maccabi Tel Aviv/7’1″, 216 lbs.
This year’s top international prospect, Croatian forward Dragan Bender, could be one of the most highly debated propsects of this class as we near closer to June. Both DraftExpress and CBS Sports have him ranked 3rd, a little bit higher than we do.
The comparison to last year’s draft darling Kristaps Porzingis makes sense at first glance, but Bender is much different when you actually watch him. Bender doesn’t have the length, athleticism, or pure shooting ability that Porzingis does, but he has better movement skills, passing ability, and is more scrappy in my opinion.
He hasn’t been utilized a whole lot by Maccabi Tel Aviv this season, but has had a few nice showings when given the minutes. He’s gotten some run over his last four game in the Israeli Super League for Maccabi, averaging around 18 minutes, 10.2 points and 2.5 rebounds per game while shooting 53.8 percent from the three-point line and 80 percent from the free throw line. Bender provides a lot of offensive versatility for a seven footer, showcasing the ability to shoot the three ball and creating for others.
He has phenomenal touch on his passes and can even put the ball on the deck, attacking off the dribble at times. No question Bender will need to get stronger, more aware as a defender, and polish his offensive post game to compete with NBA big’s at the next level.
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