All things considered, Dragan Bender is not doing a fine job of preventing people from sticking bust labels on his back. Selected fourth overall by the Suns in the 2016 NBA Draft, the team had high expectations for the stretch-big man from Croatia. So far, he has not lived up to that hype.
After averaging 3.4 points in 13.3 minutes per game in his rookie year, Bender had a meager improvement the following season, posting just 6.5 points per game despite being given an ample 25.2 minutes of playing time each night.
With only a year left of guaranteed salary, Bender will have to start showing some signs of life if he is to convince the Suns to pick up their 2019-20 option on him, which is worth a relatively cheap $5.8 million.
For new Suns head coach Igor Kokoskov, unlocking the potential of Bender –if there’s any left –
“We’re going to challenge him. I think it’s good for him,” Kokoskov said. “He’s a very talented, young player. We need him more, and that’s why he’s playing summer league so to add even more experience to his game.”
Kokoskov has every reason to be very diplomatic when speaking about one of the Suns’ youngsters, but his kind and encouraging words can’t deny the fact that Bender has been one of the team’s biggest disappointment.
Dragan Bender can continue to work on his game in this year’s NBA Summer League.
The Suns’ Summer League team will play their first game this Friday against the Dallas Mavericks.
While all eyes are going to be on Suns rookie Deandre Ayton, Kokoskov is definitely going to keep a close eye on the still 20-year-old Bender.
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