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Los Angeles Lakers: 5 Best Options In 2016 NBA Draft

By Maxwell Ogden

Feb 17, 2016; Chapel Hill, NC, USA; Duke Blue Devils guard Brandon Ingram (14) before the game at Dean E. Smith Center. Mandatory Credit: Bob Donnan-USA TODAY Sports
Feb 17, 2016; Chapel Hill, NC, USA; Duke Blue Devils guard Brandon Ingram (14) before the game at Dean E. Smith Center. Mandatory Credit: Bob Donnan-USA TODAY Sports /
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Dragan Bender, a professional Croatian basketball player currently playing for Maccabi Tel Aviv in the Israeli Basketball Super League attends a training session at the Menora Mivtachim Arena in Tel Aviv on March 16, 2016. (Photo Credit: JACK GUEZ/AFP/Getty Images) /

3. Dragan Bender, Maccabi Tel Aviv

Position: Forward/Center
Age: 18 (11/17/1997)
Height, Weight, Wingspan: 7’0.5″, 225 pounds, 7’2″
Slash Line: .423/.338/.719
Season Averages: 12.9 MPG, 4.5 PPG, 2.5 RPG, 0.8 ORPG, 0.7 APG, 0.8 BPG, 0.5 SPG, 0.7 3PM

There’s an inaccurate stigma surrounding Dragan Bender. Due to the fact that he’s a European prospect and not an American who went through the college basketball system, many have labeled him enigmatic.

The reality is, scouts and general managers have had their eye on Bender since he turned pro at the age of 15.

Bender may not pan out, but the same can be said for every player in every NBA Draft. What Bender has is star potential and the skill set to bottom out as a high-level role player if a coach is willing to commit to his development.

There are reasons for concern and criticism, primarily in that Bender doesn’t exactly welcome contact—something often said about Lakers great Pau Gasol.

Bender is a 7’1″ big man with a 7’2″ wingspan, 3-point range, the foundation for a post game, upside as a defender, and tight enough handles to be a straight-line finisher. He’s not exactly DeAndre Jordan, but he’s a very fluid athlete who moves well and can play above the rim.

If any coach can help Bender become a star at the next level, it’s Golden State Warriors product and new Los Angeles Lakers frontman Luke Walton.

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