Phoenix Suns Grab Top Euro Dragan Bender At No. 4

The Phoenix Suns decided to go with a developmental project with the fourth pick in the 2016 NBA Draft, snagging Croatian forward/center Dragan Bender.

Bender is a 7-foot-1, 216-pounder who can stretch the floor and is often compared to New York Knicks big man Kristaps Porzingis. Bender isn’t nearly as smooth or athletic as Porzingis, but he does have a really nice upside as a big man who can protect the rim and stretch the court on offense.

While he didn’t see the floor much for Maccabi Tel Aviv, the 18-year-old has a ton of natural gifts. He has to get stronger, but can already handle the ball and rebound fairly well. He also runs the floor like a deer.

Bender will take time to get better, but the long-term payoff could be big for the Suns.