Midseason report card with second half expectations

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LOS ANGELES, CA – FEBRUARY 6: Dragan Bender #35 of the Phoenix Suns handles the ball against the Los Angeles Lakers on February 6, 2018 at STAPLES Center in Los Angeles, California. 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 Andrew D. Bernstein/NBAE via Getty Images) /

Suns fans probably cannot be more pleased with the improvement that Dragan has made this season. Still not anywhere near a star player – or even a regular starter – his overall consistent play has certainly improved; his outside shooting is way better than anyone could have expected at the start of the season; his defense is coming along nicely; and those games where he breaks out on the offense end for 15+ points might not come too often yet, but are evidence of what he an be as early as next season with further body development and a better understanding of his role on the roster and ability to hang with talent in the league.

The rest of the way I want to see him take a bigger role on the offensive end. Don’t be selfish, but don’t look to pass the ball the moment it touches his hands unless he’s wide-open for an obvious 3-point attempt.

Bender has shown flashes of serious offensive talent, but remains tentative. Obviously physical strength will assist with that and that can only come with age. But toughness in general can be both taught and learned, and something he needs to focus on.

Grade: B+

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