Valley of the Suns
Fansided

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 /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
3 of 5
Next
Apr 9, 2017; Phoenix, AZ, USA; Dallas Mavericks forward Nicolas Brussino (9) handles the ball against Phoenix Suns forward Dragan Bender (35) in the second half of the NBA game at Talking Stick Resort Arena. The Suns won 124-111. Mandatory Credit: Jennifer Stewart-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 9, 2017; Phoenix, AZ, USA; Dallas Mavericks forward Nicolas Brussino (9) handles the ball against Phoenix Suns forward Dragan Bender (35) in the second half of the NBA game at Talking Stick Resort Arena. The Suns won 124-111. Mandatory Credit: Jennifer Stewart-USA TODAY Sports /

Power Forward

Dragan Bender is best suited as a power forward and was drafted as such. His size and skill set lend him to be in the Dirk Nowiztki mold, making him a tall PF who can shoot from the outside, while still have the ability to defend the interior.

However, even before Bender’s injury, Marquese Chriss had already been planted firmly in the Suns’ starting lineup at power forward. Chriss began to develop offensively before our eyes with his additional minutes late in the season and unless the team does something dramatic and find a player like Kristaps Porzingis through trade, he too is likely not going to relinquish his starting role. This result means that Bender will be peaking through the fence from the power forward spot as well.

Worst off, last season Bender wasn’t even always Chriss’ first relief with Jared Dudley often coming off the bench first. Unless Bender takes great strides this offseason or next and manages to prove that he he will be a great scorer, it appears that there won’t be a positional battle here anytime soon.

Home/Suns News