[treytalkssports.comParticipant]

In order to get a feel for Bender’s true value (since people place him anywhere between top 3 to out of the top 20), I did this comparison of Bender to Labissiere. Labissiere was widely considered the second best prospect in this draft after Simmons, until Cal didn’t give him playing time. Right now, most scouts think he will be picked in the late Lottery. If I can use Labissiere as a measurement, and prove that Bender is a significantly better prospect, than we would probably conclude he is one of the best prospects in this draft and worth a top 3 pick. 

Here is my attempt:

–   Bender is 20 months younger than Labissiere. If he were Labissiere, he would be entering his senior year of high school.

–   Bender is at least 1 inch taller than Labissiere (and maybe even more since his last measurement was taken over a year ago and he probably still growing at 17-18 years old)

–   Bender has at least a 6 inch higher standing reach that Labissiere (and maybe more since his last measurement was taken over a year ago)

–   Bender is 10 pounds heavier than Labissiere, even though he is 20 months younger. At the same age, he would be closer to 25 pounds heavier than Labissiere

–   Bender is a better 3 point shooter than Labissiere (37% to 0%)

–   Bender is a better free throw shooter (76% to 68%)

–   Bender is a better passer in a professional league (8.4 to 3.6 AST%)

–   All of these offensive stats are in spite of the fact that Bender’s usage rate was significantly lower than Labissiere (16.6 to 22 USG%)

–   Bender is a better rebounder in a professional league (12.7 to 11.5 TRB%)

–   Bender is a better disruptor at getting steals in a professional league (2.2 to .9 ST%)

–   Labissiere is more foul prone than Bender (6.9 to 6.7 fouls per 36 minutes). Although this will be a problem for both of them in their development.

–   Bender has better perimeter skills (subjective, I know, but I think this is widely accepted)



The only areas Labissiere has on Bender are

–   Bender is worse at getting blocks in a professional league (6.2 to 10.3 BLK%)

–   Labissiere got more free throws this year (1.7 to 1.1 ft per game in 16 and 15 minute per game)

–   Labissiere had a 31’’ and 35’’ no step and regular vertical at the KENTUCKY COMBINE (noted last year for being inflated in numbers) as a 20 year old. Bender’s were only 24 and 28 as a 17 year old. 

–   Bender is not as advanced as Labissierre in his post moves (subjective, but I think it’s widely accepted)



The following article shows that the SEC between 2002 and 2015 was .68 strength of schedule and the Israeli BSL was 5.2 between 2012 and 2016. In the rating of 186 leagues, the SEC placed 38th and the Israeli BSL placed 44th. 



However, Bender also played 7 games in the Euroleague, which is ranked 10th with a 1.6 strength rating and 3 games in the Eurocup, which is ranked 29th with a .92 strength rating. Overall, I think the strength of competition favors Bender. 



http://nyloncalculus.com/2015/11/06/deep-dives-measuring-level-of-competition-around-the-world/

I think you could argue that even if they were the same age, Bender would be a better prospect than Labissiere, but if you add two years to Bender’s development (which Labissiere has), then you would have a top overall talent. Bender is at least a more well-rounded, two year younger Labissiere, which is defintely worth a top three pick in this draft. 

 

[MattP31Participant]

 I like Bender and have him in my Top 3 so this argument isn’t so much to say he doesn’t belong there but- as great as that comparison is to show he belongs drafted ahead of Skal, it doesn’t compare him to the other guys that you are looking at in the same range as Bender at 3. I realize comparing Murray, Dunn, Hield would be difficult but this doesn’t say why Bender deserves to be drafted above them(I recognize Bender as better than them and have him ranked higher personally, but that’s more opinion than backed up by anything).

 

[MattP31Participant]

 I like Bender and have him in my Top 3 so this argument isn’t so much to say he doesn’t belong there but- as great as that comparison is to show he belongs drafted ahead of Skal, it doesn’t compare him to the other guys that you are looking at in the same range as Bender at 3. I realize comparing Murray, Dunn, Hield would be difficult but this doesn’t say why Bender deserves to be drafted above them(I recognize Bender as better than them and have him ranked higher personally, but that’s more opinion than backed up by anything).

 

[Bankroll PJParticipant]

 Labissiere isn’t Bender’s competition.  Who has Labissiere rated higher than Bender? Bender’s competition at this point is Marquise Chriss and Henry Ellenson

 

[Bankroll PJParticipant]

 Labissiere isn’t Bender’s competition.  Who has Labissiere rated higher than Bender? Bender’s competition at this point is Marquise Chriss and Henry Ellenson

 

[treytalkssports.comParticipant]

 I get your point, but I don’t think you get mine. I was trying to get a general idea of Bender’s ability next to a lottery pick. If he was better, then he deserved to go higher. If he was a lot better, he deserved to go a lot higher. 

I wasn’t comparing him to his competition. 

 

 

[treytalkssports.comParticipant]

 I get your point, but I don’t think you get mine. I was trying to get a general idea of Bender’s ability next to a lottery pick. If he was better, then he deserved to go higher. If he was a lot better, he deserved to go a lot higher. 

I wasn’t comparing him to his competition. 

 

 

[DanielcmccartyParticipant]

 Yeah think of how hyped that kid would have been in this country if he was coming up on the aau circuit. Skal was hyped like crazy this time last year. If Bender is that much better then him across the board, then that’s clearly why they have Bender ranked 3rd as oppose to Skal in the late lottery. And I think Skal is lucky to get lottery

[DanielcmccartyParticipant]

 Yeah think of how hyped that kid would have been in this country if he was coming up on the aau circuit. Skal was hyped like crazy this time last year. If Bender is that much better then him across the board, then that’s clearly why they have Bender ranked 3rd as oppose to Skal in the late lottery. And I think Skal is lucky to get lottery

[OhCanada-Participant]

 Now try doing it with Poetl because I think he is a better prospect and at least very comparable yet underrated. It would actually be hard to do with Jakob because he has proven during the pre draft workouts he has a beautiful shooting form and shoots the same way every time yet his college stats will not reflect this.

[treytalkssports.comParticipant]

 Imagine if Bender went to Utah this coming season. What would his stats look like. Imagine he had two seasons of development. How good would his shooting look? 

Bender is two years and one month younger than Poelti. 

 

 

[treytalkssports.comParticipant]

 Imagine if Bender went to Utah this coming season. What would his stats look like. Imagine he had two seasons of development. How good would his shooting look? 

Bender is two years and one month younger than Poelti. 

 

 

[OhCanada-Participant]

 Now try doing it with Poetl because I think he is a better prospect and at least very comparable yet underrated. It would actually be hard to do with Jakob because he has proven during the pre draft workouts he has a beautiful shooting form and shoots the same way every time yet his college stats will not reflect this.

[OhCanada-Participant]

Not making an argument for Labissiere being a better prospect but he was played out of his position this year. Cal played him to his weaknesses as a low post scorer and  efender for most of the season when he is obviously a stretch PF all the way. He has alot of untapped potential and I think Cal  laying him as a traditional big this year will  actually help him as his career progresses. He will likely go to a team that will provide more tolerance to a longer development and not expect instant results and has been coached to improve his shortcomings.

[OhCanada-Participant]

Not making an argument for Labissiere being a better prospect but he was played out of his position this year. Cal played him to his weaknesses as a low post scorer and  efender for most of the season when he is obviously a stretch PF all the way. He has alot of untapped potential and I think Cal  laying him as a traditional big this year will  actually help him as his career progresses. He will likely go to a team that will provide more tolerance to a longer development and not expect instant results and has been coached to improve his shortcomings.

[Hype Machine]

 Is anyone really placing Bender out of the top 20?

On my Mock Draft, Bender is #3 and Skal Labissiere is #39

So you’re kinda preaching to the choir. It’s no comparison in my view. 

 

[Hype Machine]

 Is anyone really placing Bender out of the top 20?

On my Mock Draft, Bender is #3 and Skal Labissiere is #39

So you’re kinda preaching to the choir. It’s no comparison in my view. 

 

[Pistol Pete. The PelicanParticipant]

Not to disagree with you, but… because Skal is older doesn’t mean he has nearly two more years of development, especially when it comes to training, rather that be skills or his body.

He started playing basketball at 13 in Haiti, anyone with knowledge knows their "organized"(it has gotten much better, but it is not there yet) basketball is not like America’s nor is it as good as the basketball academy that Bender attended at the age of 12 (owned by Nikola Vujcic, a member of the Euroleague all decade team of 2001-2010). This basketball academy not only offered skill development, but also had a training regimen.

At 15 Bender started his pro career, at 15, Skal Labissiere was moving to the United States after an earthquake ravaged his home the previous year, and earthquake which his legs were trapped in the wreckage and he was unable to walk for a few weeks. Not to mention 77% of Haiti’s population is poor, and that number rises to 88% in rural areas, something that undoubtedly affected Skal. Skal most likely didn’t get the same nutrition, the same level of air quality, etc. It’s so many problems about Haiti that can be said, and he lived their for 15 years. I worked there for 3 months, and with all of the help that came, it was still a pretty horrible place. 

Bender does seem like a better prospect, I agree with you 100%, but Skal hasn’t had the time or resources to develop his game the way Bender has. I also think Calipari’s usual big men tricks didn’t work for Skal and it kind of screwed him over. Basically, three years from now, if Skal is the better player, I would not be surprised at all. He’s an athletic 7 footer, he can shoot and block shots. He’s highly coveted in the NBA right now. Bender, Labissiere, and Thon Maker will all be coveted. We can’t act like Kristaps rookie year isn’t driving Bender up a little bit, it is. 

[treytalkssports.comParticipant]

 Good point. +1

You know how you need a "control" in science experiments? There is not perfect control in the draft. Every player is different, with different skills, experience, coaching, etc. Skal probably isn’t the perfect control to pin down Bender’s potential, but I thought he would work alright. 

 

 

[treytalkssports.comParticipant]

 Good point. +1

You know how you need a "control" in science experiments? There is not perfect control in the draft. Every player is different, with different skills, experience, coaching, etc. Skal probably isn’t the perfect control to pin down Bender’s potential, but I thought he would work alright. 

 

 

[Pistol Pete. The PelicanParticipant]

Not to disagree with you, but… because Skal is older doesn’t mean he has nearly two more years of development, especially when it comes to training, rather that be skills or his body.

He started playing basketball at 13 in Haiti, anyone with knowledge knows their "organized"(it has gotten much better, but it is not there yet) basketball is not like America’s nor is it as good as the basketball academy that Bender attended at the age of 12 (owned by Nikola Vujcic, a member of the Euroleague all decade team of 2001-2010). This basketball academy not only offered skill development, but also had a training regimen.

At 15 Bender started his pro career, at 15, Skal Labissiere was moving to the United States after an earthquake ravaged his home the previous year, and earthquake which his legs were trapped in the wreckage and he was unable to walk for a few weeks. Not to mention 77% of Haiti’s population is poor, and that number rises to 88% in rural areas, something that undoubtedly affected Skal. Skal most likely didn’t get the same nutrition, the same level of air quality, etc. It’s so many problems about Haiti that can be said, and he lived their for 15 years. I worked there for 3 months, and with all of the help that came, it was still a pretty horrible place. 

Bender does seem like a better prospect, I agree with you 100%, but Skal hasn’t had the time or resources to develop his game the way Bender has. I also think Calipari’s usual big men tricks didn’t work for Skal and it kind of screwed him over. Basically, three years from now, if Skal is the better player, I would not be surprised at all. He’s an athletic 7 footer, he can shoot and block shots. He’s highly coveted in the NBA right now. Bender, Labissiere, and Thon Maker will all be coveted. We can’t act like Kristaps rookie year isn’t driving Bender up a little bit, it is. 

[kobyzParticipant]

 So every 18 years old who did nothing but has nice phisical or atheltic profile should go high lottery based on some other prospect being also shity??? I calling this thread bs!!!

[kobyzParticipant]

 So every 18 years old who did nothing but has nice phisical or atheltic profile should go high lottery based on some other prospect being also shity??? I calling this thread bs!!!

[NBAjunkie81Participant]

 to be critical…………… but you are making false assumptions…….. In essence you are saying that Skal Original projection as the #2 Prospect nehind Only Simmons WAS accurate…………

& that it was Cal…… & Not Skal’s play …….. that caused his Decline to back of the Lottery………

When in Truth Every year there are players who rise & fall from their original projections when they enter NCAA Basketball…….

And the reason for that is the Original Projection is made in a Vaccuum……… Meaning people like to see Mock Drafts for the NExt year 12 months ahead of time………… but there is ZERO real Data on which to base those Projections (b/c they have yet to play a game in college)…………

No one Disagrees that Skal is a Top Prospect in the 2016 NBA Draft…….. but claiming that Skal Labissiere TRULY is a #2 Talent………… & Therefore That Proves Bender – w/ 2 years less Development – is Guarenteed to be a Much Higher Level prospect………. is a False Equivalency……..

Personally, I Like Bender as a Prospect – A LOT………. However, Each of these players is autonomous……….& should be evaluated Independent of other prospects…….. B/c No One knows what Any of them will do in the NBA at this point……….

 

 

 

 

 

[NBAjunkie81Participant]

 to be critical…………… but you are making false assumptions…….. In essence you are saying that Skal Original projection as the #2 Prospect nehind Only Simmons WAS accurate…………

& that it was Cal…… & Not Skal’s play …….. that caused his Decline to back of the Lottery………

When in Truth Every year there are players who rise & fall from their original projections when they enter NCAA Basketball…….

And the reason for that is the Original Projection is made in a Vaccuum……… Meaning people like to see Mock Drafts for the NExt year 12 months ahead of time………… but there is ZERO real Data on which to base those Projections (b/c they have yet to play a game in college)…………

No one Disagrees that Skal is a Top Prospect in the 2016 NBA Draft…….. but claiming that Skal Labissiere TRULY is a #2 Talent………… & Therefore That Proves Bender – w/ 2 years less Development – is Guarenteed to be a Much Higher Level prospect………. is a False Equivalency……..

Personally, I Like Bender as a Prospect – A LOT………. However, Each of these players is autonomous……….& should be evaluated Independent of other prospects…….. B/c No One knows what Any of them will do in the NBA at this point……….

 

 

 

 

 

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