EMPIRE OF THE SUNS

Dragan Bender limits mistakes, has solid Summer Suns showing in Vegas

Jul 9, 2018, 9:53 PM | Updated: Jul 10, 2018, 3:05 pm

(AP Photo/Ross D. Franklin)...

(AP Photo/Ross D. Franklin)

(AP Photo/Ross D. Franklin)

LAS VEGAS — The Phoenix Suns aren’t really asking much out of third-year power forward Dragan Bender this year.

He was, after all, a No. 4 overall pick two years ago, but the Suns just want Bender to play defense, hit threes and limit his mistakes.

To say the least, Bender was not doing that two games into his third NBA Summer League. He had eight turnovers and five points entering Monday’s game against the Orlando Magic. Bender credited that to running through the plays and playing passively.

For a third-year player, especially, Bender’s mistakes, brain farts and goof-ups are unacceptable given how little he touches the ball. That’s been the problem far more than him averaging 5.4 points per game in his short career.

Still, it’s very easy to forget Bender doesn’t turn 21 until mid-November. Mikal Bridges, the 10th selection in this year’s draft, is over eight months older than Bender.

That youth makes it no surprise that when you ask any player, coach or front office member about Bender, they always say it’s about him playing with confidence. The skill, talent and know-how on the floor is there.

On Monday, Bender showed why he’s so valuable when he does that in a 71-53 win over the Magic.

Bender finished with 11 points, eight rebounds and zero turnovers.

“Wasn’t so much [being] down and hard on myself … It’s just about myself being more aggressive and telling myself to be more aggressive,” Bender said of his struggles, mentioning his tendency to run through plays without being decisive.

It’s always not about the stats with Bender, as head coach Igor Kokoskov said after the game.

“There’s so many other ways that he can help us,” he said.

When Bender can make three defensive plays in one possession like this, that’s where he shines.

That’s a terrific pick-and-roll switch, rim contest and second contest for a block all within six seconds.

When Bender is playing slower and floating through plays like he said, he will stay on the perimeter and not make smart cuts like this one.

With that being said, Bender has to make his open shots and he was 3-for-6 from three-point range, an improvement from the first two games.

“He has to be a hot guy,” Kokoskov said of Bender’s shooting.”He’s got to keep watering plants. That’s shooting every day and just working shots and being active. When he has a game that he doesn’t make shots — how can he help a team win the game?”

We aren’t in the range of definites yet, but Bender is very likely not going to live up to the value of a top-5 pick. With the roster Phoenix has constructed, that’s perfectly fine.

Deandre Ayton, Devin Booker and Josh Jackson all provide more than enough scoring. They don’t need more offense around them. Instead, they need players like Bender who can space the floor, make the right reads and provide a strong defensive presence.

Whether or not Bender can be competent enough in year three to do that remains to be seen. Monday, however, was at least a brief glimpse that he has it in him heading into next season.

FREE THROWS

— Deandre Ayton didn’t dominate but still had 17 points and 13 rebounds, a testament to how productive he can be. He matched up with No. 5 overall pick and fellow big man Mohamed Bamba. It was Ayton’s first win over Bamba in the five times they had played each other.

“4-1 now,” Ayton said of Bamba mentioning an undefeated record before the game.

— Shaquille Harrison was the difference-maker for the Suns. His defense was all over the place, as he racked up five steals to go along with 11 points and six rebounds.

Kokoskov called Harrison’s work rate on defense “a talent” and said the defense he brings means “a lot” to the team.

“He was really just taking the ball from those guys,” Ayton said of Harrison.

— Josh Jackson couldn’t get his jumper to go down in the first two games, shooting 7-of-28 from the field. On Monday, he was much more adamant about getting to the rim but had issues forcing it. He was 3-of-13 with five turnovers against Orlando.

Empire of the Suns

Bradley Beal #3 of the Washington Wizards shoots in front of Devin Booker #1 of the Phoenix Suns du...

Kellan Olson

All-around prowess, similarities make Suns’ Booker, Beal best NBA backcourt

Bradley Beal and Devin Booker are elite offensive weapons off the ball, giving the Phoenix Suns a backcourt unlike any other.

12 days ago

Yuta Watanabe, Japan vs. Germany FIBA World Cup...

Kevin Zimmerman

Suns’ Yuta Watanabe shows versatility in Japan’s FIBA opening loss to Germany

Japan lost to Germany, but Phoenix Suns guard Yuta Watanabe showed he's more than a three-point shooter in his FIBA Wold Cup opener.

1 month ago

(Twitter Photo/@10thYearSeniors)...

Kellan Olson

Deandre Ayton’s defensive dominance for Bahamas brings Suns hope

Phoenix Suns center Deandre Ayton has been a stud for the Bahamas in FIBA play and his defensive activity is particularly encouraging.

1 month ago

Devin Booker and Kevin Durant, Phoenix Suns...

Kevin Zimmerman

The must-watch games on the Phoenix Suns’ 2023-24 schedule

Chris Paul's return for Suns-Warriors, a long-delayed LeBron James-Kevin Durant matchup and more are must-watch games on Phoenix's schedule.

1 month ago

Spurs' Tony Parker drives past Suns' Stephon Marbury...

Kevin Zimmerman

2023 Naismith Hall of Fame class has unique connections to Suns

Dwyane Wade, Tony Parker, Gregg Popovich, Dirk Nowitzki and Pau Gasol all had impact on the Phoenix Suns. And sometimes vice versa.

1 month ago

(Photo by AAron Ontiveroz/The Denver Post)...

Kellan Olson

Tiers of the NBA’s Western Conference, Part 2: Suns share the top with Nuggets

With the conclusion of the NBA offseason, it's time to look ahead to next season and reassess where the Phoenix Suns stack up in the West.

2 months ago

Dragan Bender limits mistakes, has solid Summer Suns showing in Vegas