Phoenix Suns: 2016 NBA Draft Grades

No. 4 — Dragan Bender

From the fans to the front office, the Phoenix Suns were pretty split on whether they should use the fourth overall pick on Dragan Bender or Marquese Chriss. But since the Suns managed to get their hands on both, can’t we all agree general manager Ryan McDonough succeeded with his first lottery pick?

A 7’1″ stretch-4 who modeled his game after fellow Croatian Toni Kukoc, Bender was known as this year’s international man of mystery, drawing unfair comparisons to Kristaps Porzingis for his outside touch, his lanky frame and his ability to defend multiple positions.

"“I guess just versatility on both ends of the floor,” Bender said when asked what he brings to the table. “Defensively just being able to switch a lot of positions on the court, and then staying in front of the guard on the perimeter. “And offensively, just being a guy that can stretch the floor, and can help a lot with passing and delivering the ball to the right places and just handling the ball in the open court and half court.”"

Bender is a bit shorter than the 7’3″ Porzingis, but he brings a lot of the same versatility to the table. The Suns’ biggest area of need entering the draft was at the power forward spot, and taking Bender with the No. 4 pick represented the safer option between him and Chriss.

As the youngest player in the draft, the Suns have now added the youngest player in each of the last two drafts (Devin Booker in 2015).

Though Sarver is probably yearning for an imminent playoff return, Phoenix’s draft strategy of building for a brighter future was all too apparent.

A look at the stat sheet doesn’t inspire much optimism, since Bender averaged only 5.5 points and 2.7 rebounds in 13.4 minutes per game last season for Maccabi Tel Aviv. But keep in mind that he’s only 18 years old, and that youngsters typically struggle to earn real minutes overseas.

Instead, the fact that Bender has been playing professionally since age 15 stands out, much like his passing and ball handling abilities do. Best of all, this youngster seems to be focused on the future, motivated, and ultimately likable, which hasn’t always been a trait to describe recent Suns players.

"“[My parents] were crying and everything, but the first word they told me was to be humble about it,” Bender said of his parents’ reaction to their son being drafted. “This is just one night and this is the beginning and it’s time to prove yourself on the big stage.”"

The “Croatian Sensation” will be a work-in-progress for at team lacking an NBA-ready power forward, but he has the size, skill, versatility, shooting ability and rim protection to be a great player in this league. The fact that he doesn’t turn 19 until November only helps his case.

Will Bender help the Suns return to the playoffs in 2017? Probably not. But chasing the eighth seed should not be the goal, and by taking something of a shot in the dark over selecting a more established prospect, Phoenix is committing to an unintentional youth movement that’s rapidly gaining momentum.

Grade: A

Next: A Marquese Trade