My bold Dragan Bender comparison

[kozlodoev]

• 9'3 standing reach, my goodness

You're aware this is not really impressive for a seven footer, right?

[CFAN38]

Any Bender comp should also take into account that he is a very above average ball handler for a 7'+ player. Probably on pare with KO in this department.

Not that its worth a lot but a quick stat comparison with KO, Prozingis, Saric 

FIBA 2009 U19
KO           27mpg 11.2pts 8.3rb 1.2 blk 1.7ast 16.7% 3pt 76% FT

FIBA 2014 U18
Bender    29min 14.4pts 10.4rb 2.2blk 4.9ast 32% 3pt 66% FT

FIBA 2013 U18
Prozingis 29min 11.6pts 10.0rb 4.9blk 0.4ast 19% 3pt 69% FT

FIBA 2012 U18
Saric        33min 25.6pts 10.1rb 1.6blk 3.3ast 28% 3pt 72% FT

Looking at this first shows how good D Saric could potentially be and also the versatility of Bender. Looking at Benders stats he has 3rd in the tournament in Ast per game, 3rd in rebounds and 1st in blocks per game. 

[coffee425]

I thought Bender was meant to be a perimeter big. Like Bargnani.

Is that wrong? Is he an interior player? Interior + perimeter play?

He's much more of a 20ft and within type of scorer right now. Currently just beating people off the dribble, working on some decent post moves. Pick and pops occasionally to have ppl respect his shot enough.

[coffee425]

• 9'3 standing reach, my goodness

You're aware this is not really impressive for a seven footer, right?

compared to the lack of vertical reach on the current Celtics?

[nickagneta]

If he is just a better version of Kelly Olynyk, which is what those stats say above, is he really needed on this team?

[coffee425]

If he is just a better version of Kelly Olynyk, which is what those stats say above, is he really needed on this team?

Any Bender comp should also take into account that he is a very above average ball handler for a 7'+ player. Probably on pare with KO in this department.

Not that its worth a lot but a quick stat comparison with KO, Prozingis, Saric 

FIBA 2009 U19
KO           27mpg 11.2pts 8.3rb 1.2 blk 1.7ast 16.7% 3pt 76% FT

FIBA 2014 U18
Bender    29min 14.4pts 10.4rb 2.2blk 4.9ast 32% 3pt 66% FT

FIBA 2013 U18
Prozingis 29min 11.6pts 10.0rb 4.9blk 0.4ast 19% 3pt 69% FT

FIBA 2012 U18
Saric        33min 25.6pts 10.1rb 1.6blk 3.3ast 28% 3pt 72% FT

Looking at this first shows how good D Saric could potentially be and also the versatility of Bender. Looking at Benders stats he has 3rd in the tournament in Ast per game, 3rd in rebounds and 1st in blocks per game. 

Aren't his stats are actually better than Oly? Especially the rebounding and blocking?

[Denis998]

He is not a NBA caliber player. Not much info on him, just a few games, and those games that we have seen, he has been bad in. NBA skill isn't much a linear relationship between height. Just my opinion though, worth a shot with the 9th pick, but nothing else

[arctic 3.0]

based on the limited info available I will go out on a limb and say thatHe is not a NBA caliber player. Not much info on him, just a few games, and those games that we have seen, he has been bad in. NBA skill isn't much a linear relationship between height. Just my opinion though, worth a shot with the 9th pick, but nothing else

Fixed that for you

[kozlodoev]

• 9'3 standing reach, my goodness

You're aware this is not really impressive for a seven footer, right?

compared to the lack of vertical reach on the current Celtics?

Olynyk has 3 inch shorter reach, but 2.5 inch higher vertical, Zeller -- 6.5 and 7, respectively, so it seems like a wash.

[CFAN38]

If he is just a better version of Kelly Olynyk, which is what those stats say above, is he really needed on this team?

KO is a prime example of the new wave of modern NBA bigs who are multi dimensional offensive players. To date KO has proven to be a solid bench player currently averaging 8pts 4rb in 18min. If Bender is a better version of KO and therefor a solid starter or better then yes he is needed. If you took KO and gave him a 7'2 wing span rather then 6'9 (making him better on D), made him a better passer, better rebounder,and better shot blocker what would you have? Sounds to me like a player worth having on an NBA roster.

[Denis998]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vhREj9q-UpM

[CFAN38]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U0Epg_sBZq4


All young prospects have weaknesses, the keys is there physical profile, how strong are their strengths, and can their weaknesses be improved on