2016 NBA Draft: Dragan Bender Player Breakdown

Dragan Bender, a professional Croatian basketball player currently playing for Maccabi Tel Aviv in the Israeli Basketball Super League poses for a photo after a training session at the Menora Mivtachim Arena in Tel Aviv on March 16, 2016.(JACK GUEZ/AFP/Getty Images) /

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Dragan Bender, a professional Croatian basketball player currently playing for Maccabi Tel Aviv in the Israeli Basketball Super League speaks to AFP jounrnalists after a training session at the Menora Mivtachim Arena in Tel Aviv on March 16, 2016. (Photo Credit: JACK GUEZ/AFP/Getty Images) /

Draft Projection: Top 3

The general consensus is that Dragan Bender will be a Top 5 selection in the 2016 NBA Draft. To take that a step further, you’ll have a more difficult time finding someone who doesn’t have Bender going No. 3 overall than one who does.

If Ben Simmons and Brandon Ingram are the Top 2 selections—and they’re expected to be—Bender is a virtual lock to be selected at No. 3.

Bender has played a limited role for Maccabi Tel Aviv, but that’s tough to hold against him. The international structure for professional basketball is as such, with younger players being delegated to a lesser role in favor of the veterans—for better or worse.

Bender’s role is actually larger than an 18-year-old would traditionally play for a club like Maccabi Tel Aviv.

Thus, scouts and general managers remain focused on the unique skill set that Bender brings to the table. He could certainly slip beyond No. 3 if the Boston Celtics deem another player the better fit, but the fall wouldn’t last very long.

The Phoenix Suns at No. 4 and Minnesota Timberwolves at No. 5 would be prime candidates to select Bender if Boston were to let him pass.

Next: Key Strengths

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