Valley of the Suns
Fansided

Five things we learned about this Suns from preseason

By Grant Funtila

PHOENIX, AZ - OCTOBER 13: Josh Jackson #20 of the Phoenix Suns stands on the court during the first half of the NBA preseason game against the Brisbane Bullets at Talking Stick Resort Arena on October 13, 2017 in Phoenix, Arizona. 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 - OCTOBER 13: Josh Jackson #20 of the Phoenix Suns stands on the court during the first half of the NBA preseason game against the Brisbane Bullets at Talking Stick Resort Arena on October 13, 2017 in Phoenix, Arizona. 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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Dragan Bender is still not yet ready

SALT LAKE CITY, UT – OCTOBER 6: Dragan Bender #35 of the Phoenix Suns looks on during the game against the Utah Jazz on October 6, 2017 at vivint.SmartHome Arena in Salt Lake City, Utah. 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 Melissa Majchrzak/NBAE via Getty Images)
SALT LAKE CITY, UT – OCTOBER 6: Dragan Bender #35 of the Phoenix Suns looks on during the game against the Utah Jazz on October 6, 2017 at vivint.SmartHome Arena in Salt Lake City, Utah. 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 Melissa Majchrzak/NBAE via Getty Images) /

The former fourth overall pick has always been regarded as a long-term project. This preseason has shown just how much time he needs before he contributes. In the first four games Bender averaged 5.0 points per game, 1.3 assists, while shooting 28.5% from the field in 24 minutes of action. The only positive sign he showed so far is his willingness to mix it up underneath the basket as he’s averaging 6.5 rebounds per game.

To be fair with Bender though, he did play well against the Brisbane Bullets. He tallied 16 points, 9 rebounds, 2 assists while shooting a remarkable 4-6 from beyond the arc.

The five games they played might be a foreshadowing of what Bender’s season will look like. A couple of bad games followed by one where Dragan shows his potential.

Patience is the key with Dragan because the intangibles and the talent is clearly there. If his body can finish adjusting to the NBA then the using of a top-5 pick on him will finally come to bear fruit. How good he will be is entirely up to him and his desire to improve. For now, don’t expect much from the Croatian as he will need more time.

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