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

Center

Bender is not a traditional center. But Alex Len – who is – may not have proven that he is worth paying, and keeping, long term. If Len is re-signed though, then Bender loses out on even more playing time, especially with Alan Williams (presuming he too is re-signed) and Tyson Chandler still on the roster. But let’s say that Len’s services are not retained: with Chandler and Williams available, Bender would still have little opportunity to play against smaller centers in the league, which leads directly to my next point –

Johnathan Issacs is considered part of the new breed of “positionless” front court players who are shorter than a traditional center but technically still play that role. The new era of more athletic big men puts a premium on shooters and not bangers, guys who can easily run the floor and possibly step out for three point shots. Alex Len tried doing that a little at the end of last season, although it may have been too little too late.

Dragan Bender, however, is 7’1″, two inches taller than Issacs (and the same height as Alex Len) and is already a competent three-point shooter. Yet, if Issacs is drafted, again, Issacs will likely take an early lead in the depth chart above Bender and with at least Williams and Chandler still on the roster, will prevent the Dragan from breaking through.