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2016 NBA Mock Draft: Top Prospects Entering March Madness

By Maxwell Ogden

Mar 5, 2016; Lexington, KY, USA; Kentucky Wildcats guard Jamal Murray (23) reacts from the court during the game against the LSU Tigers in the second half at Rupp Arena. Mandatory Credit: Mark Zerof-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 5, 2016; Lexington, KY, USA; Kentucky Wildcats guard Jamal Murray (23) reacts from the court during the game against the LSU Tigers in the second half at Rupp Arena. Mandatory Credit: Mark Zerof-USA TODAY Sports /
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3. Dragan Bender, Maccabi Tel Aviv

Position: Power Forward

Age: 18 (11/17/1997)

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

Slash Line: .423/.373/.700

Season Averages: 11.6 MPG, 4.3 PPG, 2.1 RPG, 0.8 ORPG, 0.7 APG, 0.8 BPG

Analysis

International prospects have always intrigued the masses, but the recent success of players such as Giannis Antetokounmpo and Kristaps Porzingis has elevated the interest to all-time heights. European draft entrees are shaking the stereotypes and being placed on level ground with elite college prospects.

No player has benefited more from Porzingis’ success with the New York Knicks than 18-year-old Maccabi Tel Aviv star Dragan Bender.

Bender stands at just under 7’1″ with a 7’2″ wingspan and a skill set that’s captivating scouts and general managers across the NBA. He can shoot from anywhere on the court, has the basic facets of a post game, and won’t turn 19 until the first full month of the 2015-16 regular season.

In other words, the upside Bender possesses is as legitimate and frightening as any player who has come before him.

While Porzingis uses his length and tenacity to mask his flaws, Bender is a more polished player from a fundamental perspective. He also has an advantage in the quickness department, and while he may never be the defender that Porzingis is becoming, his offensive ceiling appears to be even higher.

Bender is the type of player you create in NBA 2K. That’s why he’s been on the draft radar for years on end.

Next: The Modern NBA Point Guard