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Redrafting the 2016 NBA Draft class

By Simon Shortt

Jun 23, 2016; New York, NY, USA; NBA commissioner Adam Silver poses for a group photo on stage with draft prospects before the 2016 NBA Draft at Barclays Center. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports
Jun 23, 2016; New York, NY, USA; NBA commissioner Adam Silver poses for a group photo on stage with draft prospects before the 2016 NBA Draft at Barclays Center. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports /
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Jun 23, 2016; New York, NY, USA; Dragan Bender (right) greets NBA commissioner Adam Silver after being selected as the number four overall pick to the Phoenix Suns in the first round of the 2016 NBA Draft at Barclays Center. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports
Jun 23, 2016; New York, NY, USA; Dragan Bender (right) greets NBA commissioner Adam Silver after being selected as the number four overall pick to the Phoenix Suns in the first round of the 2016 NBA Draft at Barclays Center. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports /

4. Phoenix Suns

Original Pick: Dragan Bender
New Pick: Dragan Bender

The Phoenix Suns have no reason to pass up on Dragan Bender this time around. The 19-year-old has potential to shoot from three and protect the rim, a combination very key to today’s game.

Should Bender be able to consistently knock down the three, he has the potential to play with both T.J. Warren and Alex Len in the frontcourt, as both players operate primarily in the paint. But if the team adds depth on the wing, or Alan Williams/Derrick Jones Jr. develop into starters, Bender could turn into a full-time center with his length and shot-blocking ability.

We did not get a large enough sample size from Bender this year, playing sparingly in just 43 games, but he has all the tools for this young Suns team. And with some of the other young frontcourt players this team has, and the age of its core, Bender has some time to reach his star potential.