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NBA Mock Draft 2016: Impact of the NCAA Tournament

By Maxwell Ogden

Apr 1, 2016; Houston , TX, USA; Oklahoma Sooners guard Buddy Hield (24) during practice day prior to the 2016 NCAA Men
Apr 1, 2016; Houston , TX, USA; Oklahoma Sooners guard Buddy Hield (24) during practice day prior to the 2016 NCAA Men /
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3. Dragan Bender, Maccabi Tel Aviv

Position: Forward/Center

Age: 18 (11/17/1997)

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

Slash Line: .445/.393/.760

Season Averages: 12.3 MPG, 4.7 PPG, 2.3 RPG, 0.8 ORPG, 0.7 BPG, 0.8 3PM

Key Strengths

  • Physical gifts. Has prototypical size and length. Fluid athlete.
  • Defensive versatility. Potential to defend players from 3 to 5.
  • Jump shot. Corrected form and improved efficiency.
  • Skilled with back to the basket.
  • Highly competitive.

Key Weaknesses

  • Core strength.
  • Doesn’t always play through contact.
  • Uncertainty surrounding which position he should play.

Analysis

Dragan Bender is following in the footsteps of Kristaps Porzingis as European big men with limitless inside-out potential. Between his size, mobility, 3-point range, and developing post game, Bender has all of the physical tools and skills to be a genuine star in the NBA.

The general expectation is that Bender’s unique combination of traits will lead to his being selected in the Top 5.

The issue for Bender is that he has a thin frame, which promises to make it difficult for him to make a living along the offensive interior. He also shies away from contact when driving the lane, and while a finesse game can certainly thrive in the modern NBA, that’s a glaring difference between he and Porzingis.

Bender has all of the potential in the world, but he must bulk up and be more welcoming of contact around the basket.

Next: The Complete Package

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