Valley of the Suns
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Summer league preview: The Bender point-forward experiment

By Riley Dalpiaz

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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The Summer League is an exciting time, mainly for fans of teams who were in the lottery. It is a time to see if that coveted rookie is going to turn the page on your franchise and put you back into the playoffs picture.

It is also a time to see how second year players have built upon their first season. For Suns faithful it will be interesting to see if second year flex forward Dragan Bender is able to make a jump from his injury filled and underwhelming rookie season by tapping into some of that fountain of potential he has, in year two.

Some reason for excitement is due to mentions of Bender playing a point forward role on the summer team to show some of his dribbling and natural play making abilities. This may be more of a fit for the young Croatian as he is an exceptional passer for somebody who stands at 7’2. If Bender is able to make more of an impact on games in this role, it will be incredibly beneficial for the young suns, although also not the first time they have had success with this type of player.

Back in the summer 2005, after a heartbreaking Western Conference final loss to the eventual Champion San Antonio Spurs still hurts), Phoenix made some roster changes. That included losing promising guard Joe Johnson in a sign-and-trade for a third year forward.

While Johnson would go on to become a perennial All-star, the Suns did get a decent return. Boris Diaw was not expected to contribute much coming off a season where he averaged less than five points, four rebounds and three assists. However the Frenchman was put in a role where he was able to show off his talents as a passer and facilitator in Phoenix. He would average 13 points, six rebounds and six assists on his way to a Most Improved Player of the Year award.

This would be Diaw’s best season as it was his best role. Being like a second point guard despite his large size, sometimes all it takes is a little change of direction for a player to blossom.

This is a role that I can see Bender thriving in, having the same skills and tools as Boris Diaw but in a bigger frame at 7’2 compared to Diaw’s 6’8. Dragan has incredible vision for a big man and above average ball handling skills. But better than his French predecessor, he has a deep range stroke that Diaw lacked and may simply be a better player in a role where he handles the ball more than being the typical stretch big man that has become so common in the league.

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In the Summer League look for Bender to share point guard duties like European League star Mike James once did for Phoenix. Bender will be able to take the ball off a miss and bring it up the court for a fast break or be the pick and roll ball handler rather than hitting an outlet or running the wing on a change of possession.

Too many times we saw a stagnant rookie standing in the corner or top of the wing ready only to launch a long range shot. This is a move by Phoenix to get their young prospect more confidence by putting him in a position he is more comfortable in off of summer reps.

If Bender is able to take this role and run with it, which he absolutely has all of the tools to do just that, then the run and gun Suns will have even more to be excited about from this young core.

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