Valley of the Suns
Fansided

What each Suns player’s offseason goals should be

By Grant Funtila

PHOENIX, AZ - APRIL 07: Devin Booker #1 of the Phoenix Suns reacts to fans after scoring against the Oklahoma City Thunder during the second half of the NBA game at Talking Stick Resort Arena on April 7, 2017 in Phoenix, Arizona. The Suns defeated the Thunder 120-99. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images)
PHOENIX, AZ - APRIL 07: Devin Booker #1 of the Phoenix Suns reacts to fans after scoring against the Oklahoma City Thunder during the second half of the NBA game at Talking Stick Resort Arena on April 7, 2017 in Phoenix, Arizona. The Suns defeated the Thunder 120-99. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images) /
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Stay focused and be patient

LAS VEGAS, NV – JULY 13: Dragan Bender #35 of the Phoenix Suns fights for the position against Jarrell Martin #1 of the Memphis Grizzlies during the 2017 Las Vegas Summer League game on July 13, 2017 at the Cox Pavillion in Las Vegas, Nevada. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2017 NBAE (Photo by David Dow/NBAE via Getty Images)
LAS VEGAS, NV – JULY 13: Dragan Bender #35 of the Phoenix Suns fights for the position against Jarrell Martin #1 of the Memphis Grizzlies during the 2017 Las Vegas Summer League game on July 13, 2017 at the Cox Pavillion in Las Vegas, Nevada. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2017 NBAE (Photo by David Dow/NBAE via Getty Images) /

Following a disappointing rookie year, all eyes will be on Dragan Bender this upcoming year. The 7’1 Croatian saw his rookie year cut short after an ankle injury sidelined him for most of the second half of the season.

Right now, Bender is preparing for the Eurobasket with Croatia.

This coming season won’t necessarily be a make or break season for Bender. Everyone knew he was a project coming into the draft back in 2016. The key for him is to stay focused on basketball and just be patient with his game. The improvement won’t happen overnight but when it does he will certainly be something special.

Consider next year an extension of his rookie season. He already showed flashes of his skillset during summer league and expect a more rounded game from him.

He needs to find the role his comfortable with and just wait for his time to come.

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