Austin Ainge: Dragan one of the best players in the last 4 years in his class

[jambr380]

So he is saying that for the last four years, Bender has been well-scouted and has consistently remained one of the best players in this year's draft class, despite being European?

It is kind-of an awkward quote. I would hope he would be considered one of the best players in this draft class, since he is presumably going to be chosen third.

[ederson]

And since AA says it.....

Just a thought although this never happens in Pro sports and everyone talks sincerely and honestly ....
Wouldn`t DA , AA and everyone else like LA or Sixers draft Bender and the Cs get to draft Simmons or Ingram ?

[Lucky17]

What if it's a double-bluff? Or maybe a triple-bluff? The mind reels . . . .

[Emmette Bryant]

I didn't want to start another Bender thread so I am putting this kind of fluffy article here.

http://thelab.bleacherreport.com/the-next-porzingis/?utm_source=facebook.com&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=programming-national

[Lucky17]

I didn't want to start another Bender thread so I am putting this kind of fluffy article here.

http://thelab.bleacherreport.com/the-next-porzingis/?utm_source=facebook.com&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=programming-national

Someone beat you to it, EB.

http://forums.celticsblog.com/index.php?topic=84579.msg2088432#new

FWIW, I enjoyed it.

[footey]

The idea that Tim Duncan wasn't extremely athletic is something I will never accept or allow. 

What's next the dang kids claiming Shaq/KG were always plodding pitch men in commercials?

I'm too old for this.....

The conflation of athleticism with top speed and explosiveness isn't really new though.  Duncan was never very explosive or a good sprinter; his athleticism mostly manifested in nimbleness and coordination.  Also pretty sure the poster saying this is not a younger guy.



On topic: I remain completely neutral about 18-year-olds with a handful of pro minutes played thousands of miles away.

He's not, he's an old geezer relative to most of these young 'uns!! 

[hpantazo]

Austin Ainge forgot to add that, in the era of Game of Thrones popularity, if all else fails, the marketability of Dragan (Dragon) Bender is alone worth the #3 pick

Now if we hire Eric Snow as an assistant coach, we're golden.

[bballdog384]

Austin Ainge forgot to add that, in the era of Game of Thrones popularity, if all else fails, the marketability of Dragan (Dragon) Bender is alone worth the #3 pick

You mean, The Dragon Bender?

[ederson]

What if it's a double-bluff? Or maybe a triple-bluff? The mind reels . . . .

of course ....cause it has never happened before .... Front Offices are well known for making their strategy known in public

[hwangjini_1]

I didn't want to start another Bender thread so I am putting this kind of fluffy article here.

http://thelab.bleacherreport.com/the-next-porzingis/?utm_source=facebook.com&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=programming-national

thanks for the link. it was a fun read. tp for you. 

[Emmette Bryant]

I didn't want to start another Bender thread so I am putting this kind of fluffy article here.

http://thelab.bleacherreport.com/the-next-porzingis/?utm_source=facebook.com&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=programming-national

Someone beat you to it, EB.

http://forums.celticsblog.com/index.php?topic=84579.msg2088432#new

FWIW, I enjoyed it.

Hah!  Now I'm really glad I didn't start another Bender thread.  TP for pointing out the obvious.

[Emmette Bryant]

I didn't want to start another Bender thread so I am putting this kind of fluffy article here.

http://thelab.bleacherreport.com/the-next-porzingis/?utm_source=facebook.com&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=programming-national

thanks for the link. it was a fun read. tp for you. 

TP right back at you

[footey]

I didn't want to start another Bender thread so I am putting this kind of fluffy article here.

http://thelab.bleacherreport.com/the-next-porzingis/?utm_source=facebook.com&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=programming-national

thanks for the link. it was a fun read. tp for you. 

TP right back at you

Wow, thanks for posting that article.  I am all in on Bender.  My only worry is that Kupchak might take him at 2!!

[Quetzalcoatl]

I didn't want to start another Bender thread so I am putting this kind of fluffy article here.

http://thelab.bleacherreport.com/the-next-porzingis/?utm_source=facebook.com&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=programming-national

Biggest take aways from me are that he has played 4 hours a day in a structured setting (starting with Vujcic's basketball academy) since he was 12 run by professional basketball players, he comes home from games and does homework because he feels its important to finish his high school education even though nobody is really pushing him to, and that he gets up at like 5 am every day so he has time to lift before practice. 

[vgulab]

really people? Bender is the new Dirk? Don't be crazy. He is not athletic he is average defender, average shooter... What is his specialty? The kid is another Olynik. 7 footer who can run the floor.
I would rather have shot blocking center than another Olynyk.