Five things we need to hear at the Phoenix Suns’ Media Day

PHOENIX, AZ – MARCH 26: Dragan Bender #35 of the Phoenix Suns handles the ball against the Boston Celtics on March 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)

Has Dragan Bender taken a step forward, or will he be buried in the rotation behind Ariza and Anderson?

While the point guard position is the weakest on the roster, the biggest rotational question is centered around former number four overall pick Dragan Bender and his role on the team.

While the nature of and timing of Marquese Chriss‘ trade was surprising, the fact that the Suns decided not to head into this season with Chriss on the roster was not a surprise.

The trade too had an immediate impact on the young carer of Dragan Bender, who had been competing against and been oft compared too his 2016 draft rival.

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However prior to the trade, Phoenix had already acquired stretch-forward Trevor Ariza in free agency, and with the Chriss trade, brought in stretch-forward Ryan Anderson. So while the loss of Chriss would in one instance mean that Bender would move up a spot in the forward rotation, the acquisition of two veterans would presumably mean that he immediately slipped back two.

Bender’s saving grace, however, might be his offseason work. While we as fans haven’t been able to see it, and no one within the franchise has shared any information in regards to it, with the new coaching staff, it’ll be interesting to know whether or not Bender has taken a step forward and improved his game all the way around.

Added size and bulk would help Bender both in the post and on defense.

Finally adding an arch to his shot will help with his shooting, which will help with his overall shooting percentage, and a high 3-point percentage will guarantee time on the court and plenty of shots.

Confidence in his coaching staff will help with confidence in his game as well, an issue that has been glaringly obvious throughout his entire young career.

Knowing where Bender’s place is on the depth chart early will give fans a little insight into how his summer went, and if spending the fourth overall pick on him and moving a second top-ten pick to open room for him, will have all been worth it.