NBA Draft 2016: 5 options for Boston Celtics at No. 3

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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.Bender’s name is not yet well known beyond hardcore basketball fans, but that may soon change. Bender is expected to be highly sought after by US professional basketball teams in the coming months. Photo credit: JACK GUEZ/AFP/Getty Images /

2. Dragan Bender, Power Forward/Center, International

I had a hard time choosing between Hield and our number two selection here. Both players would be strong additions to the mix for the Celtics, if they are deciding between the two, it just depends on what they are looking for. Hield and Dragan Bender are extremely close in this scenario.

Based on the raw upside, I gave the slight edge to the international player here. Bender is an under-developed talent, but a 7-foot-1 player who can move and shoot the ball is always interesting.

Bender does not show high-level athleticism, but he is an extremely fast big man who can fill the lanes quickly. Offensively, Bender is an extremely smart player who always seems to make the right play. An intelligent passer who shows some ball-handling upside, Bender may have a point forward position in his future.

He gets over-powered defensively and on the glass for too often, but that is to be expected right now. As he continues to fill out his slight frame, Bender is going to be a much-better defender and rebounder. His length and quickness give him huge upside on defense as he grows.

There is a lot of unknown here, but the size and raw skills of an 18-year-old player makes Bender an extremely exciting target. If the Celtics are looking to shoot for the moon with this pick, Bender is the guy.

Next: 1. Kris Dunn

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