[SeattleSuperChronicsParticipant]

 People are going to say summer league doesn’t matter. He is young. He will grow. He is a project. 

Dragon Bender is HORRIBLE. He is a bust. I don’t care how young he is or how much potential. More than half the players he is playing against arnt even going to make the D league. 

14-51 playing vs rookies and scrubs. You heard it here first; Darko Jr. 

[McDunkin]

1. It’s summer league bruh

2. Don’t you dare compare anyone to the youngest NBA champion in history. "The human victory blunt" as M Dymes would say

3. On the other hand…you’re a sonic fan….so you might just know a good bit about big men that are busts.

[SeattleSuperChronicsParticipant]

 Lol…Johan…Sene..Swifty…yeah I see a 7ft bust from a mile away.

[SeattleSuperChronicsParticipant]

 Lol…Johan…Sene..Swifty…yeah I see a 7ft bust from a mile away.

[SeattleSuperChronicsParticipant]

 Lol…Johan…Sene..Swifty…yeah I see a 7ft bust from a mile away.

[McDunkin]

1. It’s summer league bruh

2. Don’t you dare compare anyone to the youngest NBA champion in history. "The human victory blunt" as M Dymes would say

3. On the other hand…you’re a sonic fan….so you might just know a good bit about big men that are busts.

[McDunkin]

1. It’s summer league bruh

2. Don’t you dare compare anyone to the youngest NBA champion in history. "The human victory blunt" as M Dymes would say

3. On the other hand…you’re a sonic fan….so you might just know a good bit about big men that are busts.

[For_Never_EverParticipant]

 I’ve actually never been high on him, and I have expressed that here. So far he hasn’t surprised me with anything. He has great size, length and ok athletically. He’s been exactly what I thought he would be a 7ft white guy that only shoots 3’s, and solid defender. 

 

 I told my friends what I thought about him before the draft, and said he will be nothing more than a Ryan Anderson, Meyers leonard, Raef LaFrents type of player. I was really scared the Celtics were going to take him, and got up for joy screaming when they took Jaylen Brown. Perhaps he’ll prove me wrong, but like I said I’ve never been high on him.

[SeattleSuperChronicsParticipant]

 I agree with everything except him being a solid defender. I watched every Suns summer league game and his lateral quickness is not great. Consistently got beat off the dribble and pushed out of the key on defensive rebounds.

[For_Never_EverParticipant]

 I don’t believe he’ll be good at switching to defend guards, but in the post he is solid with his height and length. 

[For_Never_EverParticipant]

 I don’t believe he’ll be good at switching to defend guards, but in the post he is solid with his height and length. 

[For_Never_EverParticipant]

 I don’t believe he’ll be good at switching to defend guards, but in the post he is solid with his height and length. 

[SeattleSuperChronicsParticipant]

 I agree with everything except him being a solid defender. I watched every Suns summer league game and his lateral quickness is not great. Consistently got beat off the dribble and pushed out of the key on defensive rebounds.

[SeattleSuperChronicsParticipant]

 I agree with everything except him being a solid defender. I watched every Suns summer league game and his lateral quickness is not great. Consistently got beat off the dribble and pushed out of the key on defensive rebounds.

[For_Never_EverParticipant]

 I’ve actually never been high on him, and I have expressed that here. So far he hasn’t surprised me with anything. He has great size, length and ok athletically. He’s been exactly what I thought he would be a 7ft white guy that only shoots 3’s, and solid defender. 

 

 I told my friends what I thought about him before the draft, and said he will be nothing more than a Ryan Anderson, Meyers leonard, Raef LaFrents type of player. I was really scared the Celtics were going to take him, and got up for joy screaming when they took Jaylen Brown. Perhaps he’ll prove me wrong, but like I said I’ve never been high on him.

[For_Never_EverParticipant]

 I’ve actually never been high on him, and I have expressed that here. So far he hasn’t surprised me with anything. He has great size, length and ok athletically. He’s been exactly what I thought he would be a 7ft white guy that only shoots 3’s, and solid defender. 

 

 I told my friends what I thought about him before the draft, and said he will be nothing more than a Ryan Anderson, Meyers leonard, Raef LaFrents type of player. I was really scared the Celtics were going to take him, and got up for joy screaming when they took Jaylen Brown. Perhaps he’ll prove me wrong, but like I said I’ve never been high on him.

[OhCanada-Participant]

I never was a supporter of his either and before the draft I even questioned if teams would be wise to pick him over Poeltl or Maker. He is having the same struggles he had in Europe but he still shows a lot of potential. He has great lateral quickness ball handling and fluidity for a guy his size. His passing is very good and he plays hard and doesn’t mind mixing it up. He is smart and skilled but the problem is it just isn’t translating to success. He has beautiful form but his shots don’t fall. Although he is gritty and versatile defensively he is weak and slight and his balance isn’t the greatest. You gotta watch the games reading the statsheets won’t do any justice. The Suns knew he was struggling with his shot in Europe and his body is still developing when they selected him and that early in his career this would likely translate to the NBA. He is definitely a work in progress but don’t count him out just yet he is a good prospect and completely unique to the NBA. Work in progress, if his shot was falling people would be drooling.

 

 

[OhCanada-Participant]

I never was a supporter of his either and before the draft I even questioned if teams would be wise to pick him over Poeltl or Maker. He is having the same struggles he had in Europe but he still shows a lot of potential. He has great lateral quickness ball handling and fluidity for a guy his size. His passing is very good and he plays hard and doesn’t mind mixing it up. He is smart and skilled but the problem is it just isn’t translating to success. He has beautiful form but his shots don’t fall. Although he is gritty and versatile defensively he is weak and slight and his balance isn’t the greatest. You gotta watch the games reading the statsheets won’t do any justice. The Suns knew he was struggling with his shot in Europe and his body is still developing when they selected him and that early in his career this would likely translate to the NBA. He is definitely a work in progress but don’t count him out just yet he is a good prospect and completely unique to the NBA. Work in progress, if his shot was falling people would be drooling.

 

 

[OhCanada-Participant]

I never was a supporter of his either and before the draft I even questioned if teams would be wise to pick him over Poeltl or Maker. He is having the same struggles he had in Europe but he still shows a lot of potential. He has great lateral quickness ball handling and fluidity for a guy his size. His passing is very good and he plays hard and doesn’t mind mixing it up. He is smart and skilled but the problem is it just isn’t translating to success. He has beautiful form but his shots don’t fall. Although he is gritty and versatile defensively he is weak and slight and his balance isn’t the greatest. You gotta watch the games reading the statsheets won’t do any justice. The Suns knew he was struggling with his shot in Europe and his body is still developing when they selected him and that early in his career this would likely translate to the NBA. He is definitely a work in progress but don’t count him out just yet he is a good prospect and completely unique to the NBA. Work in progress, if his shot was falling people would be drooling.

 

 

[ZouldiersParticipant]

 There’s a reason why they traded for Marquese Chriss. If they miss on one they can hit on the other. Too early to tell though so wait for him to play a pre-season game.

[ZouldiersParticipant]

 There’s a reason why they traded for Marquese Chriss. If they miss on one they can hit on the other. Too early to tell though so wait for him to play a pre-season game.

[For_Never_EverParticipant]

 Chriss is the top run and jump athlete in the draft, I think. However I’m not super familiar with him, and when I did watch  him couldn’t tell if he was a 3 or 4.  They had the highest risk draft my opinion.

[For_Never_EverParticipant]

 Chriss is the top run and jump athlete in the draft, I think. However I’m not super familiar with him, and when I did watch  him couldn’t tell if he was a 3 or 4.  They had the highest risk draft my opinion.

[For_Never_EverParticipant]

 Chriss is the top run and jump athlete in the draft, I think. However I’m not super familiar with him, and when I did watch  him couldn’t tell if he was a 3 or 4.  They had the highest risk draft my opinion.

[ZouldiersParticipant]

 There’s a reason why they traded for Marquese Chriss. If they miss on one they can hit on the other. Too early to tell though so wait for him to play a pre-season game.

[For_Never_EverParticipant]

It’s obvious if you don’t say anything nice your  going to get negged. C’mon guys I expected the forum to be more grown up for us to realistically talk about player’s. I was not politically correct saying a 7ft white guy. However, Im being honest. I didn’t say white guy to my friends for some weird reason, but I  did here. So if he did end up being a bust, and someone post about him being bust in the future. If he is are you going to plus him, and say I saw it all a long ? Because now everyone is jumping on Marcus Smarts. When I thought he is a bench defensive player for awhile, and whoever thought that got same treatment.

[For_Never_EverParticipant]

It’s obvious if you don’t say anything nice your  going to get negged. C’mon guys I expected the forum to be more grown up for us to realistically talk about player’s. I was not politically correct saying a 7ft white guy. However, Im being honest. I didn’t say white guy to my friends for some weird reason, but I  did here. So if he did end up being a bust, and someone post about him being bust in the future. If he is are you going to plus him, and say I saw it all a long ? Because now everyone is jumping on Marcus Smarts. When I thought he is a bench defensive player for awhile, and whoever thought that got same treatment.

[SeattleSuperChronicsParticipant]

 Another White Russian bartender. 

[SeattleSuperChronicsParticipant]

 Another White Russian bartender. 

[For_Never_EverParticipant]

 Nothing wrong with being a bartender. I’m 5’9,  which makes me wish I was taller. I’ve come to know if your tall you can get a lot more out of society including females. Dude if you’re tall Females are all over you like people I know. I think majority of the president’s are taller than 6ft.

[For_Never_EverParticipant]

 Nothing wrong with being a bartender. I’m 5’9,  which makes me wish I was taller. I’ve come to know if your tall you can get a lot more out of society including females. Dude if you’re tall Females are all over you like people I know. I think majority of the president’s are taller than 6ft.

[SeattleSuperChronicsParticipant]

 I’m 6’3" and married a Russian collegiate tennis star. And let me tell ya she’s a ten, 

mamba out

[SeattleSuperChronicsParticipant]

 I’m 6’3" and married a Russian collegiate tennis star. And let me tell ya she’s a ten, 

mamba out

[SeattleSuperChronicsParticipant]

 I’m 6’3" and married a Russian collegiate tennis star. And let me tell ya she’s a ten, 

mamba out

[NBAjunkie81Participant]

 Most women say that but Listening, Laughing & being Appreciated are Far more important

[NBAjunkie81Participant]

 Most women say that but Listening, Laughing & being Appreciated are Far more important

[NBAjunkie81Participant]

 Most women say that but Listening, Laughing & being Appreciated are Far more important

[For_Never_EverParticipant]

 Nothing wrong with being a bartender. I’m 5’9,  which makes me wish I was taller. I’ve come to know if your tall you can get a lot more out of society including females. Dude if you’re tall Females are all over you like people I know. I think majority of the president’s are taller than 6ft.

[SeattleSuperChronicsParticipant]

 Another White Russian bartender. 

[For_Never_EverParticipant]

It’s obvious if you don’t say anything nice your  going to get negged. C’mon guys I expected the forum to be more grown up for us to realistically talk about player’s. I was not politically correct saying a 7ft white guy. However, Im being honest. I didn’t say white guy to my friends for some weird reason, but I  did here. So if he did end up being a bust, and someone post about him being bust in the future. If he is are you going to plus him, and say I saw it all a long ? Because now everyone is jumping on Marcus Smarts. When I thought he is a bench defensive player for awhile, and whoever thought that got same treatment.

[For_Never_EverParticipant]

I went in a weird direction. My bad Cynthia. 

[For_Never_EverParticipant]

I went in a weird direction. My bad Cynthia. 

[For_Never_EverParticipant]

I went in a weird direction. My bad Cynthia. 

[ZarathustraParticipant]

 Do your homework guys,this guy is on the map for a looooooong time.

He is more like a Toni kukoc than a Kristaps.

Great feel for the game,doesn’t mind switching on guards on the defensive end,still getting used to the NBA 3 point line but watch out !

He loves basket-ball,Darko didn’t.

 

 

 

 

 

 

[ZarathustraParticipant]

 Do your homework guys,this guy is on the map for a looooooong time.

He is more like a Toni kukoc than a Kristaps.

Great feel for the game,doesn’t mind switching on guards on the defensive end,still getting used to the NBA 3 point line but watch out !

He loves basket-ball,Darko didn’t.

 

 

 

 

 

 

[For_Never_EverParticipant]

 How do you know he loves basketball? I just find that to be a weird statement to say. We can say anyone loves basketball. Did you look up his stats before he came over ?

[For_Never_EverParticipant]

 How do you know he loves basketball? I just find that to be a weird statement to say. We can say anyone loves basketball. Did you look up his stats before he came over ?

[ZarathustraParticipant]

He’s a HUGE Toni Kukoc fan and yes i checked all his stats,especially at the Euro U-18 in 2014.

Scouts were all over him for the last 3 years,i look forward to see how the Suns handle him and Chriss.

Both have great potential.

 

 

 

[ZarathustraParticipant]

He’s a HUGE Toni Kukoc fan and yes i checked all his stats,especially at the Euro U-18 in 2014.

Scouts were all over him for the last 3 years,i look forward to see how the Suns handle him and Chriss.

Both have great potential.

 

 

 

[ZarathustraParticipant]

He’s a HUGE Toni Kukoc fan and yes i checked all his stats,especially at the Euro U-18 in 2014.

Scouts were all over him for the last 3 years,i look forward to see how the Suns handle him and Chriss.

Both have great potential.

 

 

 

[For_Never_EverParticipant]

 I also label myself a student of the game and lover. I’m curious how old was Bender when Tony kukoc was playing ?

[he_gets_bucketsParticipant]

 Google it ????? We aren’t here to answer all these basic questions you could find out for yourself with a simple google search

[he_gets_bucketsParticipant]

 Google it ????? We aren’t here to answer all these basic questions you could find out for yourself with a simple google search

[he_gets_bucketsParticipant]

 Google it ????? We aren’t here to answer all these basic questions you could find out for yourself with a simple google search

[For_Never_EverParticipant]

 I also label myself a student of the game and lover. I’m curious how old was Bender when Tony kukoc was playing ?

[For_Never_EverParticipant]

 I also label myself a student of the game and lover. I’m curious how old was Bender when Tony kukoc was playing ?

[For_Never_EverParticipant]

 How do you know he loves basketball? I just find that to be a weird statement to say. We can say anyone loves basketball. Did you look up his stats before he came over ?

[ZarathustraParticipant]

 Do your homework guys,this guy is on the map for a looooooong time.

He is more like a Toni kukoc than a Kristaps.

Great feel for the game,doesn’t mind switching on guards on the defensive end,still getting used to the NBA 3 point line but watch out !

He loves basket-ball,Darko didn’t.

 

 

 

 

 

 

[kobyzParticipant]

 So much airballs!! He is so weak mentally to the point it can’t be fix!! lol people who neg me all time before the draft when i said he was not worth top pick… 

[kobyzParticipant]

 So much airballs!! He is so weak mentally to the point it can’t be fix!! lol people who neg me all time before the draft when i said he was not worth top pick… 

[kobyzParticipant]

 So much airballs!! He is so weak mentally to the point it can’t be fix!! lol people who neg me all time before the draft when i said he was not worth top pick… 

[nill650Participant]

 I’d cut him a little slack being he has never played in the states and he has a lot of skills for a 18 yr old,but suns probably were hoping for a better showing. His shooting % has been horrible for a top 10 pick.

I don’t hink it is indicitive of his ability to execute plays that run for him, he just is not that good yet in iso and so his shot just aint fallin’

 Zubac and Hernangomez are both more nba ready and it shows.Do they have the same ceiling as Bender, maybe, but offensively Bender starts hitting the shots he’s taking ,getting same looks at etc, I don’t think so.

[nill650Participant]

 I’d cut him a little slack being he has never played in the states and he has a lot of skills for a 18 yr old,but suns probably were hoping for a better showing. His shooting % has been horrible for a top 10 pick.

I don’t hink it is indicitive of his ability to execute plays that run for him, he just is not that good yet in iso and so his shot just aint fallin’

 Zubac and Hernangomez are both more nba ready and it shows.Do they have the same ceiling as Bender, maybe, but offensively Bender starts hitting the shots he’s taking ,getting same looks at etc, I don’t think so.

[nill650Participant]

 I’d cut him a little slack being he has never played in the states and he has a lot of skills for a 18 yr old,but suns probably were hoping for a better showing. His shooting % has been horrible for a top 10 pick.

I don’t hink it is indicitive of his ability to execute plays that run for him, he just is not that good yet in iso and so his shot just aint fallin’

 Zubac and Hernangomez are both more nba ready and it shows.Do they have the same ceiling as Bender, maybe, but offensively Bender starts hitting the shots he’s taking ,getting same looks at etc, I don’t think so.

[TRC1991Participant]

He’s really young, give him 4 years…But yes, he is atrocious right now

[TRC1991Participant]

He’s really young, give him 4 years…But yes, he is atrocious right now

[kobyzParticipant]

 Project like that should not be a top 4 pick! 

[kobyzParticipant]

 Project like that should not be a top 4 pick! 

[kobyzParticipant]

 Project like that should not be a top 4 pick! 

[TRC1991Participant]

He’s really young, give him 4 years…But yes, he is atrocious right now

[NBAjunkie81Participant]

 His stroke is So pure, his Lateral quickness is not great but his foot work is Very good…….

But we are now at the point where if a Rookie has 1 or 2 poor SL games we say he Sux….. that’s Crazy

We are talking about the NBA – this is the Very best League in the World – the Difference between a guy who makes a team & a guy who does not is Slow slim

All these kids are Just starting out – some will come out of the gates fast but they WILL struggle & the pack will catch up — this is Not a sprint – it is a Marathon & it takes at least 3 years B4 we can make a call on a player & for Bigs that is Even Longer

After just One year, SOME (not all) of Us have decided that KAT, Porzingus & Booker are Hall of Famers & Okafor, Hezonja  & D’Lo Russell are Massive Busts — that is Outrageous…….. & I have been guilty too…..

  Ben Simmons, Brandon Ingram, Jaylen Brown, Bender, Dunn, Hield, J.Murray, Chriss are ALL going to struggle one game & look like Stars the next – Just got to Let them Grow & learn & make mistakes

 

 

[NBAjunkie81Participant]

 His stroke is So pure, his Lateral quickness is not great but his foot work is Very good…….

But we are now at the point where if a Rookie has 1 or 2 poor SL games we say he Sux….. that’s Crazy

We are talking about the NBA – this is the Very best League in the World – the Difference between a guy who makes a team & a guy who does not is Slow slim

All these kids are Just starting out – some will come out of the gates fast but they WILL struggle & the pack will catch up — this is Not a sprint – it is a Marathon & it takes at least 3 years B4 we can make a call on a player & for Bigs that is Even Longer

After just One year, SOME (not all) of Us have decided that KAT, Porzingus & Booker are Hall of Famers & Okafor, Hezonja  & D’Lo Russell are Massive Busts — that is Outrageous…….. & I have been guilty too…..

  Ben Simmons, Brandon Ingram, Jaylen Brown, Bender, Dunn, Hield, J.Murray, Chriss are ALL going to struggle one game & look like Stars the next – Just got to Let them Grow & learn & make mistakes

 

 

[For_Never_EverParticipant]

 I’m talking about in general do we have to give everyone the benefit of the doubt for four or five yrs until we can say anything that isn’t praising ?  I don’t understand how you can say his shot is so pure from what you have seen in SL.

[For_Never_EverParticipant]

 I’m talking about in general do we have to give everyone the benefit of the doubt for four or five yrs until we can say anything that isn’t praising ?  I don’t understand how you can say his shot is so pure from what you have seen in SL.

[For_Never_EverParticipant]

 I’m talking about in general do we have to give everyone the benefit of the doubt for four or five yrs until we can say anything that isn’t praising ?  I don’t understand how you can say his shot is so pure from what you have seen in SL.

[NBAjunkie81Participant]

 His stroke is So pure, his Lateral quickness is not great but his foot work is Very good…….

But we are now at the point where if a Rookie has 1 or 2 poor SL games we say he Sux….. that’s Crazy

We are talking about the NBA – this is the Very best League in the World – the Difference between a guy who makes a team & a guy who does not is Slow slim

All these kids are Just starting out – some will come out of the gates fast but they WILL struggle & the pack will catch up — this is Not a sprint – it is a Marathon & it takes at least 3 years B4 we can make a call on a player & for Bigs that is Even Longer

After just One year, SOME (not all) of Us have decided that KAT, Porzingus & Booker are Hall of Famers & Okafor, Hezonja  & D’Lo Russell are Massive Busts — that is Outrageous…….. & I have been guilty too…..

  Ben Simmons, Brandon Ingram, Jaylen Brown, Bender, Dunn, Hield, J.Murray, Chriss are ALL going to struggle one game & look like Stars the next – Just got to Let them Grow & learn & make mistakes

 

 

[For_Never_EverParticipant]

 Because a lot of the time now I feel it’s the exact opposite. We keeping saying he’s young give him time he’ll get better until their like 25yrs old.

[For_Never_EverParticipant]

 Because a lot of the time now I feel it’s the exact opposite. We keeping saying he’s young give him time he’ll get better until their like 25yrs old.

[For_Never_EverParticipant]

 Because a lot of the time now I feel it’s the exact opposite. We keeping saying he’s young give him time he’ll get better until their like 25yrs old.

[HitsterParticipant]

 As a Suns fan, I’ll always be a bit biassed so I won’t comment on his performances so far. What I will point out is that a team who already has Tyson C and Len in the frot court drafted both Bender and Chriss so could it be they feel that one just possibly Bender will need time to develop. A lot of ESPN guys were saying pre draft don’t expect much from him year ones – so I’m still keeping my options open.

Phoenix may look to move Chandler in due course – veteran on a none contending team doesn’t make a lot of sense although he has his title already, But his salary is more cap friendly and a contender may well want a big to anchor the defence, rebound and be a senior guy on court so Chandler may well get another couple of play off runs in the future.

 

[HitsterParticipant]

 As a Suns fan, I’ll always be a bit biassed so I won’t comment on his performances so far. What I will point out is that a team who already has Tyson C and Len in the frot court drafted both Bender and Chriss so could it be they feel that one just possibly Bender will need time to develop. A lot of ESPN guys were saying pre draft don’t expect much from him year ones – so I’m still keeping my options open.

Phoenix may look to move Chandler in due course – veteran on a none contending team doesn’t make a lot of sense although he has his title already, But his salary is more cap friendly and a contender may well want a big to anchor the defence, rebound and be a senior guy on court so Chandler may well get another couple of play off runs in the future.

 

[HitsterParticipant]

 As a Suns fan, I’ll always be a bit biassed so I won’t comment on his performances so far. What I will point out is that a team who already has Tyson C and Len in the frot court drafted both Bender and Chriss so could it be they feel that one just possibly Bender will need time to develop. A lot of ESPN guys were saying pre draft don’t expect much from him year ones – so I’m still keeping my options open.

Phoenix may look to move Chandler in due course – veteran on a none contending team doesn’t make a lot of sense although he has his title already, But his salary is more cap friendly and a contender may well want a big to anchor the defence, rebound and be a senior guy on court so Chandler may well get another couple of play off runs in the future.

 

[Dazzling Dunks and Basketball BloopersParticipant]

 Hes a seven footer that can stretch the floor and appears to have a very good understanding of the game for a player so young. Just by that alone, he should carve out a decent role in the NBA if he can just get a little bit stronger. He is already a much better basketball player than darko was at the same age. It’s way too early to throw the bust label at him.

However, I’d be very hesitant in labeling as a future superstar or franchise player. His lack of lateral quickness and athleticism worries me and he doesn’t have the type of frame that looks like he will be able to add weight very easily. Even though he is overmatched physically, he doesn’t show much of a willingness to mix it up down low. I don’t think he is nearly the prospect porzingis was and I’m actually not even sure he is as good of a prospect as thon maker is to be honest.

 

[Dazzling Dunks and Basketball BloopersParticipant]

 Hes a seven footer that can stretch the floor and appears to have a very good understanding of the game for a player so young. Just by that alone, he should carve out a decent role in the NBA if he can just get a little bit stronger. He is already a much better basketball player than darko was at the same age. It’s way too early to throw the bust label at him.

However, I’d be very hesitant in labeling as a future superstar or franchise player. His lack of lateral quickness and athleticism worries me and he doesn’t have the type of frame that looks like he will be able to add weight very easily. Even though he is overmatched physically, he doesn’t show much of a willingness to mix it up down low. I don’t think he is nearly the prospect porzingis was and I’m actually not even sure he is as good of a prospect as thon maker is to be honest.

 

[Dazzling Dunks and Basketball BloopersParticipant]

 Hes a seven footer that can stretch the floor and appears to have a very good understanding of the game for a player so young. Just by that alone, he should carve out a decent role in the NBA if he can just get a little bit stronger. He is already a much better basketball player than darko was at the same age. It’s way too early to throw the bust label at him.

However, I’d be very hesitant in labeling as a future superstar or franchise player. His lack of lateral quickness and athleticism worries me and he doesn’t have the type of frame that looks like he will be able to add weight very easily. Even though he is overmatched physically, he doesn’t show much of a willingness to mix it up down low. I don’t think he is nearly the prospect porzingis was and I’m actually not even sure he is as good of a prospect as thon maker is to be honest.

 

[pokieParticipant]

Phoenix puzzles me. As a GM you always have to make hard choices. I get it. But, at four, especially with two franchise type guys going one and two, you have to take the best player on the board. You have to take Dunn at four. That’s the hand you were dealt. They should have been thrilled. Then they would have had a real point guard to pair with Booker. They could keep Knight to back up both spots (he’s a combo guard anyway) and trade Bledsoe (their best trade chip) for a starter at the four. Then you can do the deal at eight and take the one of the two bigs you wanted to develop. If you miss at eight, you still had a great draft. It was a golden opportunity to strengthen and balance their roster. Right now they are looking like the 2009 T-Wolves. Remember, they took Ricky Rubio and Johnny Flynn back-to-back just in front of Steph Curry? Why would you do that to yourself?

[kdtriv01Participant]

 they got an absolute steal in Ulis. They drafted 2 Pf (an area of weakness) to pair with their gluttony of guards. Ulis is the best PURE point in the draft and can lead a team effectively. I watched Dunn. He is a shoot first drive and slash guard. They already have that with a proven Bledsoe. They didn’t need the redundancy. Ulis can lead a playoff caliber team because he passes first and has a good stroke to open up the floor. 

[kdtriv01Participant]

 they got an absolute steal in Ulis. They drafted 2 Pf (an area of weakness) to pair with their gluttony of guards. Ulis is the best PURE point in the draft and can lead a team effectively. I watched Dunn. He is a shoot first drive and slash guard. They already have that with a proven Bledsoe. They didn’t need the redundancy. Ulis can lead a playoff caliber team because he passes first and has a good stroke to open up the floor. 

[kdtriv01Participant]

 they got an absolute steal in Ulis. They drafted 2 Pf (an area of weakness) to pair with their gluttony of guards. Ulis is the best PURE point in the draft and can lead a team effectively. I watched Dunn. He is a shoot first drive and slash guard. They already have that with a proven Bledsoe. They didn’t need the redundancy. Ulis can lead a playoff caliber team because he passes first and has a good stroke to open up the floor. 

[pokieParticipant]

Phoenix puzzles me. As a GM you always have to make hard choices. I get it. But, at four, especially with two franchise type guys going one and two, you have to take the best player on the board. You have to take Dunn at four. That’s the hand you were dealt. They should have been thrilled. Then they would have had a real point guard to pair with Booker. They could keep Knight to back up both spots (he’s a combo guard anyway) and trade Bledsoe (their best trade chip) for a starter at the four. Then you can do the deal at eight and take the one of the two bigs you wanted to develop. If you miss at eight, you still had a great draft. It was a golden opportunity to strengthen and balance their roster. Right now they are looking like the 2009 T-Wolves. Remember, they took Ricky Rubio and Johnny Flynn back-to-back just in front of Steph Curry? Why would you do that to yourself?

[pokieParticipant]

Phoenix puzzles me. As a GM you always have to make hard choices. I get it. But, at four, especially with two franchise type guys going one and two, you have to take the best player on the board. You have to take Dunn at four. That’s the hand you were dealt. They should have been thrilled. Then they would have had a real point guard to pair with Booker. They could keep Knight to back up both spots (he’s a combo guard anyway) and trade Bledsoe (their best trade chip) for a starter at the four. Then you can do the deal at eight and take the one of the two bigs you wanted to develop. If you miss at eight, you still had a great draft. It was a golden opportunity to strengthen and balance their roster. Right now they are looking like the 2009 T-Wolves. Remember, they took Ricky Rubio and Johnny Flynn back-to-back just in front of Steph Curry? Why would you do that to yourself?

[M-DYMESParticipant]

Shout out to McDunkin.  Of course Darko is the human victory blunt!  Long time no see fellas.

[M-DYMESParticipant]

Shout out to McDunkin.  Of course Darko is the human victory blunt!  Long time no see fellas.

[M-DYMESParticipant]

Shout out to McDunkin.  Of course Darko is the human victory blunt!  Long time no see fellas.

[BothTeamsPlayedHardParticipant]

If a team drafts someone who, for the most part, could not get much run in Israel, you should not expect him to look impressive now or in the near future. In as much as it is still controversial to send top 10 picks to the D-League, I think that the Suns now having a direct D-League affiliate an hour or so outside Phoenix will be beneficial, not only for him but possibly also Chriss, Ulis, and Alan Williams. In as much as I am not sure what vision Phoenix has for what it is building, I think the NBA is in a different era than 2003 or even 2008. Darko played 400 minutes over his first two years, and the third year only saw an increase when he was traded. I think Bender will be on a steep learning curve, but won’t be hung out to dry in the same way raw prospects were when they were unprepared to contribute a few years back.

[BothTeamsPlayedHardParticipant]

If a team drafts someone who, for the most part, could not get much run in Israel, you should not expect him to look impressive now or in the near future. In as much as it is still controversial to send top 10 picks to the D-League, I think that the Suns now having a direct D-League affiliate an hour or so outside Phoenix will be beneficial, not only for him but possibly also Chriss, Ulis, and Alan Williams. In as much as I am not sure what vision Phoenix has for what it is building, I think the NBA is in a different era than 2003 or even 2008. Darko played 400 minutes over his first two years, and the third year only saw an increase when he was traded. I think Bender will be on a steep learning curve, but won’t be hung out to dry in the same way raw prospects were when they were unprepared to contribute a few years back.

[BothTeamsPlayedHardParticipant]

If a team drafts someone who, for the most part, could not get much run in Israel, you should not expect him to look impressive now or in the near future. In as much as it is still controversial to send top 10 picks to the D-League, I think that the Suns now having a direct D-League affiliate an hour or so outside Phoenix will be beneficial, not only for him but possibly also Chriss, Ulis, and Alan Williams. In as much as I am not sure what vision Phoenix has for what it is building, I think the NBA is in a different era than 2003 or even 2008. Darko played 400 minutes over his first two years, and the third year only saw an increase when he was traded. I think Bender will be on a steep learning curve, but won’t be hung out to dry in the same way raw prospects were when they were unprepared to contribute a few years back.

[Author]

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