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2016 NBA Mock Draft: Every Team’s Ideal Fit

By Maxwell Ogden

Mar 17, 2016; Raleigh, NC, USA; Providence Friars guard Kris Dunn (3) celebrates with Providence Friars forward Ben Bentil (0) after a play against the USC Trojans during the second half at PNC Arena. The Friars wins 70-69. Mandatory Credit: Bob Donnan-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 17, 2016; Raleigh, NC, USA; Providence Friars guard Kris Dunn (3) celebrates with Providence Friars forward Ben Bentil (0) after a play against the USC Trojans during the second half at PNC Arena. The Friars wins 70-69. Mandatory Credit: Bob Donnan-USA TODAY Sports /
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TREVISO, ITALY – JUNE 07: Dragan Bender in action during the adidas Eurocamp at La Ghirada sports center on June 7, 2015 in Treviso, Italy. (Photo by Roberto Serra/Iguana Press/Getty Images)
TREVISO, ITALY – JUNE 07: Dragan Bender in action during the adidas Eurocamp at La Ghirada sports center on June 7, 2015 in Treviso, Italy. (Photo by Roberto Serra/Iguana Press/Getty Images) /

3. Boston Celtics (via Nets): 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: .442/.391/.778

Season Averages: 12.1 MPG, 4.6 PPG, 2.3 RPG, 0.8 ORPG, 0.7 BPG, 0.8 3PM

After Brandon Ingram and Ben Simmons, the general consensus is that Dragan Bender is the best prospect available. He’s been on the NBA Draft radar for multiple years, which is a testament to how early his talent was recognized, and how deeply his game has been studied.

Standing at just under 7’1″ with a 7’2″ wingspan, a 9’3″ standing reach, and a well-rounded offensive game, Bender is the obvious choice for the Boston Celtics.

Bender needs to add a significant amount of weight to his frame in order to live up to his potential at the next level. He’s too thin to bang down low, which would thus impede him from executing the balanced offensive attack which makes him so special.

The reality is, Bender is already more fundamentally polished as an offensive player than most who are four years older than he—and that doesn’t even begin to lower his ceiling.

For the Celtics, adding Bender would effectively diversify the offensive attack. Bender has potential as a shot-blocker, but he’ll make his name as a versatile offensive force with the potential to be an All-Star for many years to come.

Boston needs to invest in a potential franchise player, and Bender would be the perfect player to groom under head coach Brad Stevens.

Next: Phoenix Suns

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