Dragan Bender

[Emmette Bryant]

Here's a small update for everyone who is obsessing about the draft.  Scroll to the bottom.

http://upsidemotor.com/2015/12/07/euroleague-week-8-dragan-bender-shines-maccabi-nba-draft/

[Denis998]

in my opinion he is not a top tier prospect, he is not porzingis.

[KeepRondo]

I wouldn't be upset with this pick. Most other players besides Simmons seem like mediocre players. So I'm ok with taking a flyer on Bender

This draft is really starting to blow.

[hwangjini_1]

in my opinion he is not a top tier prospect, he is not porzingis.

ok, but it would make your post a heck of a lot more compelling and informative if you actually shared with us the reasons and support behind this assertion.

[KeepRondo]

in my opinion he is not a top tier prospect, he is not porzingis.

Look around at the other players. This draft is going to be a dud for the teams not getting Simmons.

Might as well roll the dice on an unknown.

[HomerSapien]

in my opinion he is not a top tier prospect, he is not porzingis.

Look around at the other players. This draft is going to be a dud for the teams not getting Simmons.

Might as well roll the dice on an unknown.

Brandon Ingram might end up challenging Simmons for the top spot come April.  He's extremely long, over a year younger than Simmons, and can actually shoot in addition to having a ton of potential in other areas of the game.

As for Bender, I very much intrigued by his potential.  He's been on the pro radar for about 3 years already and he's barely 18 so I'm optimistic there is something there to be excited about even if I've had limited opportunity to actually watch him play.

[saltlover]

in my opinion he is not a top tier prospect, he is not porzingis.

Look around at the other players. This draft is going to be a dud for the teams not getting Simmons.

Might as well roll the dice on an unknown.

Brandon Ingram might end up challenging Simmons for the top spot come April.  He's extremely long, over a year younger than Simmons, and can actually shoot in addition to having a ton of potential in other areas of the game.

As for Bender, I very much intrigued by his potential.  He's been on the pro radar for about 3 years already and he's barely 18 so I'm optimistic there is something there to be excited about even if I've had limited opportunity to actually watch him play.

Brandon Ingram will only challenge Simmons in that the media likes to promote an alternative option.  But Simmons is flat-out number 1.  Ingram could be a very good player, but Simmons skill set is one-of-a-kind.

[KeepRondo]

in my opinion he is not a top tier prospect, he is not porzingis.

Look around at the other players. This draft is going to be a dud for the teams not getting Simmons.

Might as well roll the dice on an unknown.

Brandon Ingram might end up challenging Simmons for the top spot come April.  He's extremely long, over a year younger than Simmons, and can actually shoot in addition to having a ton of potential in other areas of the game.

As for Bender, I very much intrigued by his potential.  He's been on the pro radar for about 3 years already and he's barely 18 so I'm optimistic there is something there to be excited about even if I've had limited opportunity to actually watch him play.

He seems really slow and doesn't have much bounce. He also looks really lost out there at times. Maybe I need to see more of his games to understand the hype.

[Irish Stew]

Somebody has to be the 2nd best prospect in the draft. but it doesn't mean that he's a great or even solid prospect. Trade the pick for Noel. Only Simmons has more potential and that's only if he develops a consistent shot. Everybody is chasing the next Porzingis. Totally unimpressed with this draft pool so far.

[HomerSapien]

in my opinion he is not a top tier prospect, he is not porzingis.

Look around at the other players. This draft is going to be a dud for the teams not getting Simmons.

Might as well roll the dice on an unknown.

Brandon Ingram might end up challenging Simmons for the top spot come April.  He's extremely long, over a year younger than Simmons, and can actually shoot in addition to having a ton of potential in other areas of the game.

As for Bender, I very much intrigued by his potential.  He's been on the pro radar for about 3 years already and he's barely 18 so I'm optimistic there is something there to be excited about even if I've had limited opportunity to actually watch him play.

He seems really slow and doesn't have much bounce. He also looks really lost out there at times. Maybe I need to see more of his games to understand the hype.

I like what I've seen from Ingram so far.  I've watched 3 - 4 of his games, and the early ones he was very passive, but the two most recent he's been more aggressive offensively both from the 3 pt. line and driving to the hoop, and defensively he has had some nice blocks, and been disruptive in passing lanes (as well as has gotten lost on occasion too).  Right now I have my list Simmons, Ingram, Bender, but I'm not calling Simmons a lock for the top spot yet.

[BornReady]

My worry is that GMs will ride on porzingis bandwagon
And see bender as the next porzingis
Overvaluing him like some GMs did with bargnani thinking he'd be norwitzki

[BornReady]

Somebody has to be the 2nd best prospect in the draft. but it doesn't mean that he's a great or even solid prospect. Trade the pick for Noel. Only Simmons has more potential and that's only if he develops a consistent shot. Everybody is chasing the next Porzingis. Totally unimpressed with this draft pool so far.

Simmons is easily no 1 and the next franchise player
But after that is meh

I like Ingram and poetl but neither has really impressed me
These draft prospects have started slow
Hopefully they pick up as we can't afford to waste multiple picks in a bad draft

[CFAN38]

With the recent play of Ingram I think this draft lottery ( at least the top 4-5) is already shaking out barring any major injures/medical issues. My predicted top 10.

Clear #1 Simmons

Clear #2 Ingram

The top of this draft in many ways reminds me of the Oden/Durnant draft. Powerful phyiscal force #1, and smooth long SF st #2.

After that is where the order will become interesting. My prediction is..

#3 Bender, barring any contract issues he should go #3. His mix of size and perimeter game fit perfectly in the current NBA where the style of play is actually very well suited for Euro style bigs. Where years ago the physical post play left many Euros in the bust heap the current 4 or 5 out style benifits these style players.

#4 Brown,
#5 Poetlt, his defensive potential will vault him up in the draft. Has had huge jump in production this season.
#6 Labissiere, his lack of strength and rebounding causes him to slide from his preseason top 3 spot
#7 Ellenson, his broad skill set and good size at the 4/5 should make him a nice NBA prospect
#8 Dunn, he could go higher is a team with a PG need (76ers) is drafting 4-7.
#9 Murray, he is a combo guard who may not have the skill set to be a star or all-star but will compliment well
#10 Jackson, the PG from ND with teams needing guys who can get into the paint and defend against elite PGs I think Jackson sees his stock rise.

[positivitize]

I worry about Bender and Skal being busts. Ingram too, although not as much.

I really like Simmons and Poetlt though.

[wiley]

With the recent play of Ingram I think this draft lottery ( at least the top 4-5) is already shaking out barring any major injures/medical issues. My predicted top 10.

Clear #1 Simmons

Clear #2 Ingram

The top of this draft in many ways reminds me of the Oden/Durnant draft. Powerful phyiscal force #1, and smooth long SF st #2.

After that is where the order will become interesting. My prediction is..

#3 Bender, barring any contract issues he should go #3. His mix of size and perimeter game fit perfectly in the current NBA where the style of play is actually very well suited for Euro style bigs. Where years ago the physical post play left many Euros in the bust heap the current 4 or 5 out style benifits these style players.

#4 Brown,
#5 Poetlt, his defensive potential will vault him up in the draft. Has had huge jump in production this season.
#6 Labissiere, his lack of strength and rebounding causes him to slide from his preseason top 3 spot
#7 Ellenson, his broad skill set and good size at the 4/5 should make him a nice NBA prospect
#8 Dunn, he could go higher is a team with a PG need (76ers) is drafting 4-7.
#9 Murray, he is a combo guard who may not have the skill set to be a star or all-star but will compliment well
#10 Jackson, the PG from ND with teams needing guys who can get into the paint and defend against elite PGs I think Jackson sees his stock rise.

Would you mind posting this exact post in the top ten draft order thread?  Your take on Poeltl
Would really spice things up over there where
No one really followed the idea of the thread...heh heh. 

I don't think either bender or Ingram are destined for major stardom but I think both would make great additions to the Celtics, especially Ingram.  Lots of patience will be needed with blender unless
He quickly turns into an excellent 3 point shooter who is willing to shoot.