Who is Suns draft pick Dragan Bender?

Dragan Bender was the first domino to fall for the Phoenix Suns in the 2016 NBA Draft. To follow, the Suns dealt for the Kings’ No. 8 pick to acquire Marquese Chriss, giving general manager Ryan McDonough two of the youngest players in the class following the selection of 18-year-old Devin Booker last summer.

But who is Bender?

He’s a 7-foot, 216 pound power forward from Croatia who last season played sparingly for Israel powerhouse Maccabi Tel Aviv.

As a player? First from the man himself.

“Just overall, versatile player,” Bender told ESPN after being selected by the Suns. “I can do a lot of things on the both ends of the floor. On defense, just switch on multiple positions, stay in front of the guards on the perimeter. On offense, just a big guy who spreads the floor and shoots the ball from outside, and deliver the ball with an extra pass and everything, and handle the ball in the open court and halfcourt.

Now, from our Empire of the Suns bloggers and draft experts across the web.

Kellan Olson, ArizonaSports.com: Bender is the right pick at No. 4. He projects as an extremely unique two-way player. He has excellent lateral quickness and at 7-foot-1, he has the potential to protect the rim. His shooting is legit and it will keep him on the floor while the rest of his offensive game develops. Despite his speed as a 7-footer, he lacks prototypical NBA athleticism and will have to grow stronger to be able to survive in the key. Bender is more ready to play right away than you’d think, and now gives the Suns a legitimate talent for the future on the inside and outside.

Kevin Zimmerman, ArizonaSports.com: ESPN’s Fran Fraschilla called him “Silly Putty.” He’s moldable but that’s based on a skillset that’s already very developed. He looked like the safe pick at No. 4, but combined with the potential to be a big man who can score and pass out of the high post, was also the most promising. He’s good at many things. Now it’s on Bender to grow into his thin frame and be great at many things.

ESPN’s Chad Ford: I love this pick for the Suns. They have a huge need at the four and Bender is the prototypical new stretch four in the NBA. He is a very good shooter, protects the rim, rebounds and can guard multiple positions. I think Marquese Chriss has more upside and could make the Suns regret this pick, but Bender is a safer pick.

Sam Vecenie, CBS Sports: Bender is a terrific fit for Phoenix as a stretch-four. The Suns will enjoy his ability to knock down jumpers from the outside, defend on the perimeter, and hopefully grow into a player that could eventually play some 5. He might not be an elite player right away, but no one they were realistically in the mix for was. Long-term, Bender was the best player available, and it is a smart decision from them at No. 4.