... then I'm guessing we'll be bending dragons.
Also, if anyone thinks Bender is anything like Gasol, they probably have no idea what type of player Gasol was at a similar age. The clip below shows a 19-year old Pau Gasol playing in the Spanish league finals (that would be the last series of one of the strongest basketball leagues in Europe):
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bZZETQoe-0U
Well, considering that Gasol was born July 1980 and that game took place just about a month prior to his 20th birthday, I don't think you can say they're at "similar age". Especially when Bender doesn't turn 19 until late in the year.
To put that in perspective, Bender won't be the age Gasol was in the video until we're playing pre-season games getting ready for the 17-18 season. Things change so much in terms of player development when players are so young that who's to say he doesn't surpass Gasol at the same age?
Really splitting hairs now. Bender is 18. Gasol was 19.
These comps have me flummoxed. What do you call a guy who shoots 3's, plays small and has no post game? Pau Gasol! What do you call a guy with poor lateral mobility who also has difficulty defending the post and shows limited defensive aptitude? Andrei Kirilenko!
What planet am I on?
When Gasol was 18 his scout report/stats are really similar to Benders. Also he has trouble defending the post largely due to a lack of strength which could presumably be overcome via the weight room, but everything else you say about his defense seems to fly in the face of everything I've read about Bender
If you have time just watch the games. There are probably 20-30 on YouTube, some of them linked in this thread. His defense is squarely between "below average" and "trainwreck". Physically, he edges toward average, mostly due to his length. Developmentally, it is not pretty. You can literally see him thinking and not in a good way. Nothing comes naturally. His lateral mobility and leaping are poor. His base and core strength are very poor. First step is poor. Unable to cut off driving lanes. Average recovery speed. Not an impactful weak side shot blocker. Poor rebounding and box out technique. Not an intangibles guy. Basically, the exact opposite of Andrei Kirilenko.
Ladies and gentlemen, Brandon Ingram should no longer be considered a top prospect because these are the same problems he has.
To be fair, Brandon Ingram is being touted primarliy as an elite scorer whos primary weakness would be defense.
Bender is being touted as primarliy an elite defender.
Ingram is better than Bender in literally every way. He can create his own shot. He's quicker, better handle, better shooter, tougher (even tho they're both skinny),plays smarter, more fluid. People are seriously underselling his defensive ability and potential as well. His length and athleticism are disruptive. He's a better defender right now than Bender.
Ok dude you win. No one knows anything except for you. I dont even know why you spend your time trying to explain things to us because we just clearly arent on your level. You know EVERYTHING. I see a skinny guy in Ingram who guys go right past but he recovers due to length and I say in time he could get better. You see him do the exact same thing and say he is going to be great. Bender does the exact same thing and you say he is borderline awful. Why dont we just move on to another player and you can show us how much smarter you are than the rest in the room.
Sorry if I offended you. Just telling you how I see it. Maybe I'm wrong. Maybe you're wrong. Otherwise, what's the fun in discussing it? Nothing personal.
We both could be wrong I get that. What Im saying is that its not to apply one standard to one player and not another. I understand your position on Bender but what Im saying is I dont think you are applying the same standard to all players.
When I look at Bender and Ingram they are both light and get pushed around. If neither gains strength they both will have problems however I think the lack of strength will impact Ingram more because he isnt as quick laterally or running the floor as Bender. Bender is a better passer as well.
This is what I do know about both. Bender has gotten taller and bigger each of the last 3 years. He is still growing into his body. Ingram is still just light as he was last year so I have to wonder when his body will get bigger vs Bender whose gotten bigger and taller.
This is not to say I think Bender is a better prospect. Its simple to say that I think his floor is not as low as you make it out to be. They both have issues and Im not going to just sit back and not mention the good and bad with every player. All Im asking for is greater objectivity with all players instead of just banging on Bender all day.