2016 NBA Draft: Dragan Bender Player Breakdown

The most enigmatic prospect in the 2016 NBA Draft is Maccabi Tel Aviv big man Dragan Bender. What exactly do you need to know about him?

No matter how much effort is put into perfecting the science of evaluating NBA Draft prospects, European players will remain enigmatic. FIBA and NBA rules differ, the style of play remains divided by isolation and systematic tendencies, and the development process is incomparable.

Thus, for as appealing of a prospect as Dragan Bender appears to be, no one truly knows what to expect.

Bender has been on the NBA Draft radar since he turned pro at the age of 15. Now 18 years old and playing for Israeli powerhouse Maccabi Tel Aviv, the 7’1″ power forward is firmly in the spotlight.

Yet, for as far as he’s come, the jury remains out on the trajectory of his NBA career.

In some eyes, Bender’s combination of size and fundamental prowess will create a manageable path to stardom. In others, the European stigma will haunt him as he makes a failed attempt at shining in the NBA.

In the fairness of equality, this is a breakdown of both sides of the argument.

Next: Draft Projection