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2016 NBA Draft: Pro comparisons for top prospects

By Philip Rossman-Reich

Jan 30, 2016; Baton Rouge, LA, USA; LSU Tigers forward Ben Simmons (25) defends against a shot by Oklahoma Sooners guard Buddy Hield (24) during the first half of a game at the Pete Maravich Assembly Center. Mandatory Credit: Derick E. Hingle-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 30, 2016; Baton Rouge, LA, USA; LSU Tigers forward Ben Simmons (25) defends against a shot by Oklahoma Sooners guard Buddy Hield (24) during the first half of a game at the Pete Maravich Assembly Center. Mandatory Credit: Derick E. Hingle-USA TODAY Sports /
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Dragan Bender, PF/C, Croatia

Best Case: Amar’e Stoudemire
Worst Case: Jan Vesely

Dragan Bender gets the title of this year’s International Man of Mystery. Aside from the awesome-sounding name, Bender is yet another 7-footer with ball-handling and shooting skills. The comparisons to Kristaps Porzingis, last year’s international prospect who took New York by storm, are inevitable. Their games are similar.

But not completely similar.

Bender has one thing over Porzingis and that is his athleticism. He can fly through the air and finish around the basket better than Porzingis. His jumper also looks a lot smoother. He reminds me of the young Amar’e Stoudemire with his quickness and ability to move off the dribble with his size. The big difference is Bender has three-point range and can stretch out to the perimeter.

It is possible Bender becomes a solid playmaker, able to play off the dribble, facing up and attacking the basket. He is a strong player and should be a dynamite pick-and-roll player.

Of course, he could just be a super big athlete who cannot handle NBA speed, like Jan Vesely. Playing for Maccabi Tel Aviv last year, it seems like Bender should be better of than other international imports. If he can play some defense and become a more physical player, Bender should be a solid pickup in this draft, perhaps not a superstar, but a difficult matchup who could make his team better.

To read more about Dragan Bender, click here.

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