2016 NBA Draft Top Five Prospects PLUS a Bonus

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May 17, 2016; New York, NY, USA; Phoenix Suns guard Devin Booker represents his team during the NBA draft lottery at New York Hilton Midtown. The Philadelphia 76ers received the first overall pick in the 2016 draft. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports /

. Forward. Macabi Tel-Aviv. Dragan Bender. 4. player. 66

Dragan Bender is benefiting heavily from the success of last year’s Kristaps Porzingis. While Bender is coming over to the NBA just like Porzingis did, the question is, will the results be just as instantaneous?

I have my doubts. Now, don’t get me wrong, I like Bender a great deal. I simply think he will take time to produce similar results.

He is the highest draft-eligible front court prospect in this draft. He is an 18-year-old forward with the makings of a stretch-four for some NBA team. Bender has very good defensive instincts and he can shoot from the perimeter, both of which are necessary skills in today’s NBA.

Bender’s potential gives him a top five slot, but I think he’s the type of prospect with so much potential that his transition to the NBA would best be done in stages. Much like the contribution of Jahlil Okafor was primarily offense, I suspect that the Phoenix Suns will task Bender with a focus on shot making his first season in the NBA . He is a solid player with high upside in the front court, which is something Suns definitely are seeking.

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