2016 NBA Mock Draft: Sixers Select Ben Simmons

3. player. 18. There are endless rumors surrounding the No. 3 pick and what Danny Ainge and the Celtics will do. Will they keep it and take a big like Bender? Will they try to trade it for another young piece like Jahlil Okafor? Only time will tell, but operating under the assumption they keep the pick, Dragan Bender has perhaps the most potential of any player in this draft. <p>Inevitably he will be compared to last year’s international darling, Kristaps Porzingis but Bender is two years younger and not near as polished as the Zinger. At 7-1 and only 18-years old there is plenty of time for Dragan to develop into a primetime player in the NBA. He’s a mobile big who thrives on the perimeter. Maccabi Tel Aviv only played him around 12 minutes a night, but through all competition he shot 41 percent from 3-point range and proved he can guard positions 3-5.</p> <p>Late last week, The Vertical reported that Bender’s buyout is $1.3 million — a relatively small number given his young age and seven-year contract he signed with Maccabi. Under the current CBA, NBA teams can pay up to $650,000 toward a buyout and the player is responsible for anything remaining. This is important because that number will not hinder any team from taking him and Boston can definitely use some size to add to their explosives wings under Brad Stevens.</p> <p><em>To read more about Dragan Bender, <a href=. PF. Israel. Dragan Bender