NBA Draft 2016: Suns draft Dragan Bender with 4th pick

With the fourth pick in the 2016 NBA Draft, the Phoenix Suns selected Dragan Bender, an 18-year-old Croatian power forward who spent last season playing for Maccabi Tel Aviv of the Israeli league.

Bender is a a little raw as a prospect, but he’s worthy of a high selection thanks to his tools and his potential. He’s a legitimate 7-footer who can move well on defense, something that always has value. He also has court vision and a developing shot that could make him exactly the type of playmaking power forward that works so well on modern offenses. He should compete with Marquese Chriss, who the Suns traded up to select with the No. 8 pick.

Despite his young age, Bender is no mystery. He’s been heavily scouted for years in the European youth circuit and international competitions. He has played sparingly for Maccabi Tel Aviv this season, which is not surprising, as he’s still filling out his frame and has been restricted by his status as a foreign player in a league that tries to foster local talent.

His lack of playing time is definitely not a red flag, but it does suggest he’s still a project. Bender is the youngest player in the draft and would have been a senior in high school in America. He will need to add muscle in order to battle on the boards and to be able to slide up to center on occasion, something he should be able to do in time, thanks to his height and length. His handle, shot and finishing ability all need more work, as well.

Expecting him to make an impact right away might be too optimistic but the potential is tantalizing. While he’s not as long or athletic as Kristaps Porzingis, he shows a similar ability to stretch the floor and be a force on defense.

He’s quick on his feet and uses his length well.

He rounds out a unique skill set with exactly the type of terrific passing ability anyone would expect of a player that grew up idolizing Toni Kukoc.

There just aren’t a lot of 18-year-old big men who have such a well-rounded game.

The fact that Bender has already left his country and is playing against grown men in a professional setting also speaks as to his maturity. The one thing marring his resume came in 2015. The Croatian Federation wanted him to wear Jordan Brand shoes in the U19 World Championship, but he refused, due to having a contract with Adidas. As ugly as things got at the time, it all seems in the past now and should have no impact on his NBA career.

Bender has an NBA buyout, so he should be able to join his new team right away. His feel for the game should allow him to get minutes in his rookie season, even if his body still needs work. The Suns surely know they are taking a risk on a raw prospect, but it’s one that could pay off greatly, as Bender should, at the very least, evolve into a very good role player thanks to his varied skill set.