Bender: The Ringer

[PaulP34]

I'm torn between Bender and Murray. I like them both for the long term. My only question is, where does Murray fit into the equation. We are already stacked at gaurd and Murray is only 6'4 he's going to be a guard. Now Bender would fit in this Celtics line up more smoothly. There's not a log jam at his position. If Bender becomes what he's advertised, his defense/offense and height plus his lateral swiftness would be an asset. Not to mention he's been showing a steady growth with his shooting % and that's what's impressive. OK so he hasn't played against much respectable talent but neither has Lebron or Kobe. I'm not comparing him to them I'm just pointing out that they came out of high school and fit right into the NBA just fine. I think Bender would be a great addition if that's the road we are gonna take. I'm for taking this thing slowly and using our picks to build a contender in 3-4 years. No rush we will get there and when we do, Lebron and Carmelo will be on their way out. Duncan will be retired and the NBA will have an entire different landscape n hopefully the Boston Celtics will have the best player in the world thanks to one of them Brooklyn picks we got for KG/PP

[Alleyoopster]

What's fascinating about reading these humanizing stories, watching numerous highlight videos and participating in these never-ending debates about Bender's abilities is that it's beginning to feel like he's already part of the Celtic community.

Wouldn't be surprised if some of us felt disappointment if Danny didn't select him. Not just because of his talent (or lack thereof), but because of the amount of emotional investment we've made, in what appears to be, a very good person. 

[mctyson]

I think Bender is an interesting gamble for the Celtics. We can stash him overseas for a couple years and use that roster space for a few of our other picks in this draft. Odds are he's not worth #3 overall but who knows. I'd give him a 5-10% chance of being as good as Kristaps P. on the Knicks.

These odds are based of what?

[Celtics4ever]

If Bender becomes what he's advertised, his defense/offense and height plus his lateral swiftness would be an asset. Not to mention he's been showing a steady growth with his shooting % and that's what's impressive.

He did not put up big numbers overseas and you think that the NBA will be easier for him than Maccabi?

[Chris22]

Bender is Tyler Zeller 2.0.

[LilRip]

If we draft him, he probably will only see spot minutes at most since he will be a project. I don't think people should expect him to be in the running for ROY.

[Celtics4ever]

If we draft him, he probably will only see spot minutes at most since he will be a project. I don't think people should expect him to be in the running for ROY

LOL, he is not even an all star is Israel, either.  Behold his rankings in that league

Ranks #87 in Effiency (5.6)
Ranks #86 in Points Per Game (5.4)
Ranks #76 in Rebounds Per Game (2.7)
Ranks #90 in Steals Per Game (0.6)
Ranks #110 in Turnovers Per Game (0.6)
Ranks #15 in Blocks Per Game (0.9)
Ranks #11 in 3-Pts Percentage (40.4%)

http://basket.co.il/PlayerPage.asp?PlayerNumber=03&TeamId=950&cYear=2016&cView=7&lang=en

[ederson]

Not to mention he's been showing a steady growth with his shooting % and that's what's impressive.

Can you post some numbers to back this up?

http://www.maccabi.co.il/season.asp?cYear=2016&lang=en

His stats show that had 3-4 games when he showed great accuracy (4/6 , 5/7) but in the majority of the games he went colder than cold.

He seems to be streaky shooter possibly because of his age but i can`t see the impressive steady growth you are talking about

[RedClaw33]

Not to mention he's been showing a steady growth with his shooting % and that's what's impressive.

Can you post some numbers to back this up?

http://www.maccabi.co.il/season.asp?cYear=2016&lang=en

His stats show that had 3-4 games when he showed great accuracy (4/6 , 5/7) but in the majority of the games he went colder than cold.

He seems to be streaky shooter possibly because of his age but i can`t see the impressive steady growth you are talking about

Here is a quote from the Ringer article:

In 2013–14, Bender shot 17.2 percent from 3 on 29 attempts; this season, he’s more than doubled up on both his attempts and efficiency. His confidence in his shot is growing, too. In his 39 games so far this season, Bender has attempted at least three 3-pointers in 12 of them (including five games of at least five attempts), and has shot 42.3 percent from the arc in those games.

The Euro League Bender plays in a apparently has a lower tier league that Dragan participates in.   He also plays internationally for Croatia and in 18 and under tournaments. 

Everyone is certainly entitled to their opinions but the stat grabbing from the Maccabi team are a bit ridiculous.  If you read about how the league is set up 18 year olds never play.  Coaches are always on the hot seat and young guys only get to develop in practice.  As for the Porzingas argument...Kristap is a full year older than Bender and from what I have read Bender is farther along at 18. 

http://basketball.realgm.com/wiretap/241972/Scout-Dragan-Bender-More-Advanced-At-18-Than-Porzingis

Here is a link to some of his stats..

http://basketball.realgm.com/player/Dragan-Bender/GameLogs/41582/All

[ederson]

So it`s ok for you to use his season average but it`s ridiculous to go into details and check each game .... ok

BTW it`s amazing how many americans spend time watching european leagues and know so much. i honestly didn`t know it..... 

[RedClaw33]

So it`s ok for you to use his season average but it`s ridiculous to go into details and check each game .... ok

BTW it`s amazing how many americans spend time watching european leagues and know so much. i honestly didn`t know it.....

First, I wasn't trying to insult you....I was referring to the Felger like references of some to randomly selective stats.  Stats which often only paint the picture the poster or radio host agrees with, but doesn't give the full picture. 

I don't watch euro games but as someone who loves to learn about prospects and the draft overall I like to read, watch clips and full games (if possible).

I am not a Bender cheerleader or 100% sold that he is the best pick at three...I do however think he has an interesting assortment of skills and potential....and potential is what the draft has become based on.

7'1 can defend the wing, block/alter shots, handle the ball, run on the break, shoot from outside and pass.  It's and interesting assortment of talents....not to mention being the youngest guy in the draft.

For me my draft order is this...

Bender > Murray > Brown > Hield > Dunn > Poeltl (Chriss doesn't impress me much)

There are things I like and dislike about each of these players.

[ederson]

His performace in every game is not a random selection of stats. I could have posted his last month when he couldn`t score a 3p to save his life but that would indeed be selective.

I completely understand that an American can`t follow european bball the same way i can`t follow NBA.

But i have an issue with the usage of terms like "impressive growth" , or "dominated the u18 tournaments" , or "the israeli league is one of the strongest in the world"

[LooseCannon]

I'd rather play Russian roulette than be responsible for our #3 pick this year.

I would embrace the challenge.  Anyone who is afraid to be wrong in this spot should aspire to be pass-the-buck middle management.

[RedClaw33]

His performace in every game is not a random selection of stats. I could have posted his last month when he couldn`t score a 3p to save his life but that would indeed be selective.

I completely understand that an American can`t follow european bball the same way i can`t follow NBA.

But i have an issue with the usage of terms like "impressive growth" , or "dominated the u18 tournaments" , or "the israeli league is one of the strongest in the world"

Again...he went 27-78 behind the line for a .346 shooting percentage for the season.  The last 6 games he didn't shoot well but of those games one was poor going 1-6 and the rest are 0-1 or 0-2.  If I wanted to cherry pick stats I could make another argument that he's lights out behind the line because he was 14-23 behind the line in December. 

[Future Celtics Owner]

The Bender and Kristaps comparisons are insane.

Kristaps has a 7'6'' wingspan and probably close to or even higher than a 9'5'' standing reach.

When you compare guys on height alone then you get the Tyler Zellers and KO's of thw orld drafted in a spot at #3