Valley of the Suns
Fansided

Should they stay or should they go – Forwards Edition

By Tim Holstad

PHOENIX, AZ - APRIL 6: Josh Jackson #20 of the Phoenix Suns dunks against the New Orleans Pelicans on April 6, 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 - APRIL 6: Josh Jackson #20 of the Phoenix Suns dunks against the New Orleans Pelicans on April 6, 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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CHARLOTTE, NC – MARCH 10: Dragan Bender #35 of the Phoenix Suns drives to the basket during the game against the Charlotte Hornets on March 10, 2018 at Spectrum Center in Charlotte, North Carolina. 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 Kent Smith/NBAE via Getty Images)
CHARLOTTE, NC – MARCH 10: Dragan Bender #35 of the Phoenix Suns drives to the basket during the game against the Charlotte Hornets on March 10, 2018 at Spectrum Center in Charlotte, North Carolina. 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 Kent Smith/NBAE via Getty Images) /

Dragan Bender

2018-18 Stats:

6.5 PPG, 4.4 RPG, 1.6 APG, 36.6% 3FG

Outlook: The man can’t legally drink in the United States yet (fun fact: he is old enough to drink in Croatia).

Dragan Bender was drafted based off the seemingly limitless potential as a 7’1″ player that can do pretty much everything. So far, he has not fulfilled even a portion of that potential, but that’s not all his fault. He’s already had two head coaches in two years and will soon be working under his third HC in three years. Neither Earl Watson or Jay Triano can be considered top-notch (and in Watson’s case, even competent) coaches. In these past two years, he’s been asked to play multiple positions, do multiple things, and not focus on any one aspect of his game. For young players, it seems that it’s best to develop one skill at a time with them, until eventually things start to snowball with them and they pick up more skills at a faster pace.

The only consistent thing Dragan has been asked to do is shoot the 3-pointer, and he’s done that at a consistent clip, especially for his size. Depending on the next head coach and what they want to focus on, I think the next area they need to focus on with him is scoring in front of the 3-point line, or on defense. Bender has all the tools and physical attributes to be a monster defensively. Especially earlier in the year, he flashed his ability to guard every position, and do so well.

Dragan is not 21 yet, and to give up on him now would be a mistake on the Suns’ part. He could still absolutely turn out to be the bust that so many fans already label him. However, he has just as much of a chance to become the Swiss army knife that the team believes he could turn into one day. Let’s see what Dragan can do under a new coach, with a hopefully defined role and goals for his season.

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