Dragan Bender’s contract not picked up is significant for the Phoenix Suns

Dragan Bender in Particular

Over two seasons, Bender has yet to show any growth or improvement in any facet of his game. While his 3-point shooting percentage did kick up to a respectable 36.6% in 2017-18, his shot itself has never changed from his original shot-put-type shot; a laser beam to the rim absent of any arc whatsoever.

Even after two full seasons in the Association, Bender still shows fear to take any initiative on offense, he is very slow to recover on defense, and he irritates fans with an overall complete lack of confidence in his game in any respect.

As quickly as the excitement of that draft hit fans it subsided, and even before each of their rookie seasons had ended, the term “bust” had begun to be thrown around.

Here’s the kicker though: the Suns drafted two player in the top ten. If one of the two had busted, that would have been one thing, so long as the other showed definite signs that they were destined to be a regular starter in the NBA.

Yet neither  Bender or Chriss looks to ever be an effective starter in the league, making both the picks used to select them (and the assets used to acquire Chriss) went for naught.

The worst of it is who McDonough passed on who has become significant, each of whom could be helping the Suns right now: Kris Dunn, Buddy Hield, Jamal Murray, Taurean Prince, Caris LeVert, and Rookie of the Year, Malcolm Brogdon – not to mention: he had the fourth overall pick as well as two additional first round picks, an early second round pick, and the asset of Bogdan Bogdanovic. Is it at all possible that he could have packaged any of that up to move up from four to one, two, or three and select Ben Simmons, Brandon Ingram, or Jaylen Brown?

It is fair to say no, but do we have any evidence that he ever gave it a full go and attempted to put together an enticing enough package?