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Dragan Bender could be the Phoenix Suns’ center of the future

By Lucas Johnson

PHOENIX, AZ - JANUARY 26: Dragan Bender #35 of the Phoenix Suns looks on during the game against the New York Knicks on January 26, 2018 at Talking Stick Resort Arena 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. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2018 NBAE (Photo by Michael Gonzales/NBAE via Getty Images)
PHOENIX, AZ - JANUARY 26: Dragan Bender #35 of the Phoenix Suns looks on during the game against the New York Knicks on January 26, 2018 at Talking Stick Resort Arena 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. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2018 NBAE (Photo by Michael Gonzales/NBAE via Getty Images) /
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Phoenix Suns fans have been waiting for Dragan Bender to become the team’s future at power forward, but maybe center is the position he should be playing.

In the Phoenix Suns‘ third game against the Denver Nuggets, Dragan Bender got his first start at center this season. Bender set a new career high in points for a single game as the team’s starting center. He ended the contest with 23 points, eight rebounds, four assists, one steal and two blocks, while making 9-15 field goal attempts, 3-5 3-points attempts and both of his free throws. Bender’s potential at center seems enticing to say the least and the Suns should take the rest of the season to test Bender’s fit at center.

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For those concerned that Bender physically can’t be a center, don’t be. While being 225 pounds may not be the best for playing center, Bender’s 7-foot-1 frame helps make up for his lack of weight. Fans and the Suns shouldn’t worry too much about Bender’s weight as most NBA players gradually add weight over their NBA career. Another aspect of this to remember is that having a super heavy and strong center isn’t a must in today’s NBA. Besides centers like Joel Embiid and DeMarcus Cousins, there aren’t any true centers that can bully players down low.

Bender’s playmaking and shooting skills makes him intriguing at the power forward position. However, if Bender can convert into a center, he would have a special set of skills that could help him develop into a playmaking stretch center similar to Nikola Jokic. Bender could be a deadly combination on the pick-n-roll. He could pop out for a shot or roll and pass out to any of the four perimeter players if he’s playing center.

Obviously, Bender will have to increase his weight, defensive I.Q. and rebounding to become a viable option at center for the Suns, but it’s not impossible. Most NBA players become better at defense as they mature and he has the drive to become better, so fans need to be patient with Bender in that regard. Once Bender can increase his weight, his rebounding numbers should improve as well.

Next: Don’t let Elfrid Payton fool you, the Phoenix Suns still need a point guard

The Phoenix Suns won’t be competing for a playoff spot this season, so now is the time to see if Dragan Bender has true potential at the center position moving forward. Bender’s ceiling is high regardless of what position he plays, but he could be more special and versatile at center versus at power forward.

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