With the 2016 NBA Draft fast approaching, Grant Baker breaks down the top prospects.

Dragan Bender, Croatia

Height: 7’1″

Weight: 225

Position: Power Forward

Strengths: Bender possesses elite length for the power forward position. Bender’s 7’1″ frame allows him to have a ridiculous 9’3″ standing reach. Although not particularly strong, Bender is a tough competitor. Bender’s shot has good form and mechanics, and while he is not an elite shooter now, he could easily develop into a deadly stretch four. Bender is also skilled with his back to the basket. He has a good jump hook and fantastic vision to hit the open man.

Weaknesses:

Dragan Bender is not ready to play in the NBA. Bender played less than ten minutes per game in the Euroleague this year, so making the jump to the NBA could be a massive culture shock. Bender is rail thin and unable to add weight due to his age. While almost every aspect of his game shows potential at the next level, few of his skills look like they translate to day one success. Bender is, at best, an average athlete. He lacks the explosiveness Kristaps Porzingis had this past year.

Overview:

Bender has high upside, but could end up being a huge bust. His potential down the line would be as a Dirk Nowitzki-type player. That being said, he could also be Andrew Bargnani. Bender will need time to develop his game and add weight. Drafting Bender is a big roll of the dice, and forcing him to play large minutes right away would only hurt his confidence.

Projection: Top 10

Some experts believe Bender could go as high as third overall to the Celtics. However, I think there are more talented options (Kris Dunn, Jamal Murray) that the Celtics could go with. Bender should go somewhere in the 5-10 range, with the hope of helping a team somewhere down the line.

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