Draft pick value for each Suns player Part 1

Dec 28, 2016; San Antonio, TX, USA; Phoenix Suns power forward Dragan Bender (35) shoots the ball over San Antonio Spurs power forward LaMarcus Aldridge (12) during the first half at AT&T Center. Mandatory Credit: Soobum Im-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 28, 2016; San Antonio, TX, USA; Phoenix Suns power forward Dragan Bender (35) shoots the ball over San Antonio Spurs power forward LaMarcus Aldridge (12) during the first half at AT&T Center. Mandatory Credit: Soobum Im-USA TODAY Sports
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Dec 28, 2016; San Antonio, TX, USA; Phoenix Suns power forward Dragan Bender (35) shoots the ball over San Antonio Spurs power forward LaMarcus Aldridge (12) during the first half at AT&T Center. Mandatory Credit: Soobum Im-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 28, 2016; San Antonio, TX, USA; Phoenix Suns power forward Dragan Bender (35) shoots the ball over San Antonio Spurs power forward LaMarcus Aldridge (12) during the first half at AT&T Center. Mandatory Credit: Soobum Im-USA TODAY Sports

Dragan Bender – Mid-late lottery pick

Bender was an early lottery pick just last year but the 2016 draft was a weaker draft than most. Additionally, Bender did not successfully establish that any aspect of his game is ready for the NBA level. However, the continual evolution of the game is heading more and more in his direction. Every team in these playoffs could have used a seven footer with a quick release, quick feet, ball handling skills and the ability to defend the rim if need be. I don’t think the Suns will regret drafting Bender. It would be a difficult sell to get a team to pass up a chance to draft Malik Monk, Jonathan Isaac or Dennis Smith in a trade for Bender.

Next: Ranking the Phoenix Suns Assets Based on Tradability

Next –  Warren, Knight, Chriss, Dudley, Ulis, & DJJ