Zimmerman vs Bender

[The Rondo Show]

These are some fire takes.

Seven-foot-one, 18-year olds who can handle the ball, pass with ease, block shots and stroke it from deep don't come around very often. He's a top-5 prospect in this class.

Not even close, as his miserable performance overseas proves. HUGE mistake with the Celtics top pick. Think Yi. Or Why? As he's now known.

I don't buy the "he's been miserable overseas" argument.  He's so young, and at that age you want to see flashes of ability; there's no doubt he's flashed a rare and intriguing skill-set.

I think there's merit that he has more bust potential than guys like Ingram, Simmons, Dunn, etc, but there's superstar potential for sure – that's what you want with a top-3 pick. 

[CoachBo]

These are some fire takes.

Seven-foot-one, 18-year olds who can handle the ball, pass with ease, block shots and stroke it from deep don't come around very often. He's a top-5 prospect in this class.

Not even close, as his miserable performance overseas proves. HUGE mistake with the Celtics top pick. Think Yi. Or Why? As he's now known.

I don't buy the "he's been miserable overseas" argument.  He's so young, and at that age you want to see flashes of ability; there's no doubt he's flashed a rare and intriguing skill-set.

I think there's merit that he has more bust potential than guys like Ingram, Simmons, Dunn, etc, but there's superstar potential for sure – that's what you want with a top-3 pick.

If tall is an intriguing skill set. His skill set and his performance are nothing but red flags. I don't see anything in this guy I like, and we're trying to win now, not invest in a guy with a high potential of scrubdom.

Bender would be the worst pick of Ainge's career, and he has made some stinkers. If you even feel remotely tempted to draft this scrub, Danny, TRADE THE PICK.

[Celtics4ever]

that's what you want with a top-3 pick.

You want a guy who can play from the get go with a top three pick.

[vjcsmoke]

Is that what you said about Porzingis too?  Knicks fans openly booed the pick until... he actually started playing for them.

Of course picking international players is risky.  But you can strike gold too, otherwise NBA teams and scouts wouldn't even consider that option.

Bender reportedly can do it all - shoot threes, pass, run the floor, block shots, rebound etc., all in a 7'1 package at just the age of 18.  Can he do these at a high enough level yet to become an elite player?  Aaah, that is what remains to be seen.  And that's the other reason they call it the draft lottery, not just the ping pong balls, but the scouts and GMs are all gambling on greatness.

If tall is an intriguing skill set. His skill set and his performance are nothing but red flags. I don't see anything in this guy I like, and we're trying to win now, not invest in a guy with a high potential of scrubdom.

Bender would be the worst pick of Ainge's career, and he has made some stinkers. If you even feel remotely tempted to draft this scrub, Danny, TRADE THE PICK.

[LooseCannon]

Bender is seen as a guy who has the potential to be an elite defender while Zimmerman has a lot more questions about his defense.  That is why Bender is projected high in the lottery.