Dragan Bender
Here we start with the Croatian Unicorn himself, Dragan Bender. If the Summer League was any indication, Bender has improved steadily from where he was a year ago at this time where his inability to shoot scared many Suns fans. Bender has begun to flash his many talents including his ability to switch on defense, playmaking from the high post, and scoring inside and out.
One of the main concerns with Bender is with the mental side of the game. Dragan needs to learn how to have higher self-esteem when he is on the court. Easier said than done right? There is no way to quantify confidence and it can be easily fleeting. Unlike a guy like Josh Jackson, who’s exuberance and tenacity is at the peak of high-spirited while on the floor, Bender can be easily rattled if things do not go as planned.
Until he learns how to be more self-assured, it will be up to Head Coach Earl Watson and staff to continue to instill confidence in the young 19-year-old. Earl Watson can help by giving Bender playing time while putting him in positions/situations on the court where he can succeed. Coach Watcon also needs to give Dragan the opportunity to work through his mistakes during the course of the game.
Suns Post-Game Radio Host Jon Bloom stated via Arizona Sports 98.7 that Goran Dragic was in a similar position as a young player and also struggled with his self-esteem. Once he was traded from the Suns, Dragic experienced a wake up call. With the Rockets, Goran played with the tenacity and determination we have come to know him by. Like Dragic before him, Bender will need to have a similar awakening. Here’s to hoping that Bender finds his poise and self-assurance as a member of the Phoenix Suns.