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An early look at the Timberwolves’ draft board

By Nolan Schmidt

Jan 26, 2016; Baton Rouge, LA, USA; LSU Tigers forward Ben Simmons (25) reacts against the Georgia Bulldogs during the second half of a game at the Pete Maravich Assembly Center. LSU defeated Georgia 89-85. Mandatory Credit: Derick E. Hingle-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 26, 2016; Baton Rouge, LA, USA; LSU Tigers forward Ben Simmons (25) reacts against the Georgia Bulldogs during the second half of a game at the Pete Maravich Assembly Center. LSU defeated Georgia 89-85. Mandatory Credit: Derick E. Hingle-USA TODAY Sports /
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Dragan Bender- Forward, Croatia/Maccabi Tel Aviv

Player Strengths: Bender possesses a lot of the skills you would expect from a European player. He can stretch the floor by shooting the three efficiently and he’s long, which could aid in some rim protection at some point and time. Bender is also good off the pick-and-roll, and can finish at the rim on those pick and rolls. At 7′-1″ and weighing 216 pounds, Bender is the perfect stretch-four prototype.

Player Weaknesses: As we see with a lot of European born players, Bender is not a great defender. I think a lot of this has to do with the fact that the competition over there is not comparable to the NBA. Most European players are not used to playing against such elite level talent when they come here.

Also, Bender is quite slender, so he’ll have to throw on some bulk so he can grab rebounds, and play some possessions down low.

Player Comparison: Bender has a similar play style to Kristaps Porzingis, although Bender does seem to be a better shooter. They do share the same frame, even though Porzingis is a few inches taller. The Wolves have never been shy about bringing in Euro talent, so Bender is a real possibility.

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