NBA Mock Draft 2016: New Year's Resolutions

NBA Mock Draft 2016: New Year’s Resolutions

Dec 25, 2015; Honolulu, HI, USA; Oklahoma Sooners guard Buddy Hield (24) flashes a "shaka" sign after the game against the Harvard Crimson at the Stan Sheriff Center. Oklahoma Sooners defeated the Harvard Crimson 83-71. Hield was named MVP of the tournament. Mandatory Credit: Marco Garcia-USA TODAY Sports /

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4. Dragan Bender, Maccabi Tel Aviv

Position: Power Forward

Age: 18

Height, Weight, Wingspan: 7’0.5″, 216 pounds, 7’2″

Slash Line: .455/.457/.706

Season Averages: 12.7 MPG, 4.6 PPG, 2.0 RPG, 0.6 ORPG, 0.8 APG, 0.7 BPG, 0.8 3PM

New Year’s Resolution: Fight Through Contact

Dragan Bender is benefiting greatly from the myth busting executed by Kristaps Porzingis. Porzingis both adheres to the European stereotype—he can shoot, sees the floor well, and excels in the post—and disputes it with his physical play, relentless rebounding, and defensive potential.

Bender’s skill set warrants the hype, but fewer people are skeptical of his upside due to the current play of Porzingis—whether fair or foul.

The 18-year-old Bender, who won’t turn 19 until November of 2016, has tantalizing potential. He’s a 7’1″ power forward who moves fluidly in transition, explodes at the rim, excels as a passer, boasts range on his jump shot, and is willing to play within the constructs of the team.

While Porzingis may have busted some myths, there are concerns that Bender identifies more with the European assumptions of the past. He doesn’t always play through contact, and has been criticized for deferring too easily.

Bender’s New Year’s Resolution is to prepare himself for the NBA and its verticality rule by fighting through contact when finishing in the paint.

Next: Needs Another Year?