Phoenix Suns: 5 takeaways from 2017 NBA Summer League
1. Concerns about Dragan Bender were premature
Again, a few successful Summer League games does not make for a successful NBA player. But after a nearly widespread panic over Dragan Bender’s underwhelming rookie season, it was good to see him put together a few reassuring, well-rounded performances in Sin City.
In fact, Bender looked leagues better than Chriss, averaging 14.2 points, 6.0 rebounds and 2.4 assists per game. The offense ran through him through spells, with his playmaking and court vision leading to easy buckets, even if he wasn’t always the one getting the assist.
Even more encouraging, Bender got better as Summer League went along. He ended his five-game stint in Vegas with 20 points, seven rebounds and five assists while shooting 8-for-16 from the field.
To be fair, Bender still has a long ways to go before he establishes himself as a legitimate NBA player, let alone a starter on a future playoff team. He averaged 5.2 fouls in his 31.4 minutes per game, only made 39.4 percent of his field goal attempts and connected on just 10 of his 35 three-point attempts (28.6 percent).
However, Bender looked comfortable and confident on the court — two things that weren’t always the case during his rookie season in which he averaged 3.4 points and 2.4 rebounds per game on .354/.277/.364 shooting splits.
No coincidence Bender played his best in the last two games. Needs that consistent playing time and he will be more than fine.
— Kellan Olson (@KellanOlson) July 14, 2017
Not only did Summer League give the Suns more opportunity to play their Chriss-Bender frontcourt of the future together, but it also gave Dragan a chance to showcase his versatility, basketball IQ and defensive presence.
The efficiency and long range shooting touch will come in time. But Bender has added mass to his slender frame (and not at such an alarming, overnight rate like Chriss), he had no problem being aggressive and his well-rounded play was a boon for the Summer League squad on both ends of the floor.
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It’s easy to look at Bender’s rookie numbers or the fact that he missed nearly half the season and be disappointed with his status as a No. 4 overall pick, but Suns supporters should be all in on the Dragan’s future at only 19 years old.