NY Times Interview with Bender today

[footey]

http://www.nytimes.com/2016/06/17/sports/basketball/dragan-bender-nba-draft.html?_r=0

A lot of repeat stuff, but worth linking.

[footey]

Talks a lot about the controversy over his shoe contract and the national team.  His desire to play all positions well.  And the usual BS (his favorite TV show). Can't wait for Coach Bo to address that!!

[footey]

Mike Gorman: If Bender has good workout, hard to see Danny not taking him at 3.

http://www.csnne.com/boston-celtics/difficult-for-boston-celtics-to-not-pick-dragan-bender-in-nba-draft-if-he-has-good-workout

[dreamgreen]

Mike Gorman: If Bender has good workout, hard to see Danny not taking him at 3.

http://www.csnne.com/boston-celtics/difficult-for-boston-celtics-to-not-pick-dragan-bender-in-nba-draft-if-he-has-good-workout

Well if Danny takes him because he thinks he's the BPA I'm fine with that. It also would settle out a lot of things in our roster and prevent the possible log jam in the back court if we went with Dunn, Hield or Murray.

[mmmmm]

I remember the shoe controversy when it happened last year, but I didn't dive into the details then.  Re-reading about it now, the whole thing really sucked and it is mind-boggling that basically these 'national' teams have become de-facto 'corporate controlled' teams.

One has to wonder what might have been.  If Bender had played in the U19s and put up another strong showing, as he had done at the U18 the year before, and all other things being equal, would there be fewer folks on this blog criticizing the idea of his being a top-5-worthy pick?

[hpantazo]

Mike Gorman: If Bender has good workout, hard to see Danny not taking him at 3.

http://www.csnne.com/boston-celtics/difficult-for-boston-celtics-to-not-pick-dragan-bender-in-nba-draft-if-he-has-good-workout

I honestly value Gorman's opinion on Celtics related matters more than most any other reporter or sportscaster out there. Gorman doesn't exaggerate for effect, often has inside info and vaguely hints to it, and is most often correct.

[tarheelsxxiii]

On behalf of CoachBo (this matter is now beneath him) I am delivering the following message:

It is hard to blame Bender for his shortcomings. Rather, the blame should be placed on his parents for bringing him into this world and inevitably destroying a franchise and it's entire fanbase.

[rocknrollforyoursoul]

I understand if people are wary of Bender because he doesn't have a large body of work to analyze, but I'm not sure why some people are convinced he won't be good. Like they already know this for a fact.

It seems to me that a mobile, legit 7-footer with decent shooting range needs to be given serious consideration.

[The One]

Mike Gorman: If Bender has good workout, hard to see Danny not taking him at 3.

http://www.csnne.com/boston-celtics/difficult-for-boston-celtics-to-not-pick-dragan-bender-in-nba-draft-if-he-has-good-workout

I honestly value Gorman's opinion on Celtics related matters more than most any other reporter or sportscaster out there. Gorman doesn't exaggerate for effect, often has inside info and vaguely hints to it, and is most often correct.

I love Mike too...but he didn't want to trade Al Jefferson...he also predicted that the Celtics were going to beat the Cavs last year....so yeah.

[droopdog7]

I understand if people are wary of Bender because he doesn't have a large body of work to analyze, but I'm not sure why some people are convinced he won't be good. Like they already know this for a fact.

It seems to me that a mobile, legit 7-footer with decent shooting range needs to be given serious consideration.

Yeah, that's what I have been saying the whole time.  The haters (and that what they are) taking it too far.  I would be wary of Bender because of the unknown factor.  But unknown works both ways.  We don't know if he'll be good or not.

Now, I am hoping the teams (scouts and GM's) have a little better handle on whether he will be good than us fans.  Just a little better.  So if DA take Bender, I am happy because in my mind that means DA thinks the risk worth the reward.  And he would have to have a GREAT deal of upside to counter the risk that he represents.