Valley of the Suns
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Does Dragan Bender have a role in the Suns’ future?

By Adam Maynes

Dec 3, 2016; Oakland, CA, USA; Phoenix Suns forward Dragan Bender (35) is fouled by Golden State Warriors forward Andre Iguodala (9) on a drive during the third quarter at Oracle Arena. The Golden State Warriors defeated the Phoenix Suns 138-109. Mandatory Credit: Kelley L Cox-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 3, 2016; Oakland, CA, USA; Phoenix Suns forward Dragan Bender (35) is fouled by Golden State Warriors forward Andre Iguodala (9) on a drive during the third quarter at Oracle Arena. The Golden State Warriors defeated the Phoenix Suns 138-109. Mandatory Credit: Kelley L Cox-USA TODAY Sports /
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Nov 23, 2016; Orlando, FL, USA; Phoenix Suns forward Dragan Bender (35) warms up prior to the game against the Orlando Magic at Amway Center. Mandatory Credit: Reinhold Matay-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 23, 2016; Orlando, FL, USA; Phoenix Suns forward Dragan Bender (35) warms up prior to the game against the Orlando Magic at Amway Center. Mandatory Credit: Reinhold Matay-USA TODAY Sports /

Small Forward

Obviously Bender isn’t generally slotted as a small forward. According to basketball-reference he didn’t play at small forward at any point last season, (although I believe that that statistic might actually be up for some debate). However, the Suns could swing for some taller lineups at times so there is no reason to think that Bender couldn’t slip down there with a center and Chriss in the lineup at the same time for stretches.

Yet, T.J. Warren has proven that when healthy he can be a 20 point per game scorer. His offensive upside seems that for him the sky is the limit, so even if Bender could be groomed as a three, it will be extremely difficult for him to slip past Warren into the starting rotation in the near future. If the Suns draft Josh Jackson or Jayson Tatum and Warren isn’t immediately traded (which probably would be most ideal) then Bender will probably never have the opportunity to play at the three. Even if Warren is traded, the Suns are likely to look for help at small forward elsewhere, with the presumption that Jackson and Tatum isn’t going anywhere for the next half a decade at least as well totally blocking Bender there for any extended playing time there.

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