Suns: Summer League

[TOO]

Bender is not 220 right now.

You are right. he is listed at 225.

I dont think he looks all that small tbh. Durant is 240 and looks the same. Bender has a much better frame for weight than Chriss.

[carey]

The last thing I'm worried about with Bender is his weight right now. He's going to be fine in that department I believe. I am worried that the team apparently is comfortable with him just floating on the perimeter all game. I think in time he'll be able to do much more than that.

[TOO]

The last thing I'm worried about with Bender is his weight right now. He's going to be fine in that department I believe. I am worried that the team apparently is comfortable with him just floating on the perimeter all game. I think in time he'll be able to do much more than that.

No doubt.

[Indy]

Yeah, not worried about it right now. I was just really surprised how skinny Gasol was back then.

[ShelC]

I was thinking Bender is a lot like Gasol physically. Games aren't as similar, but bodes seem to be. And of course, they're both white so there's that.

[carey]

Looks like we don't play again until 6PM EST on Saturday against the 3rd seeded Nuggets.

[Shabazz]

I've actually been pretty impressed with Troy Williams and would be up for bringing him to camp. He's pretty talented.

[JCSunsfan]

The last thing I'm worried about with Bender is his weight right now. He's going to be fine in that department I believe. I am worried that the team apparently is comfortable with him just floating on the perimeter all game. I think in time he'll be able to do much more than that.

I agree. But think about it for a moment. Right now he is a somewhat legit three and D player at 7-1. I have no doubt he will be able to hit the open three with consistency. He is just getting used to the NBA three point line. He has the strength and range to shoot it, its just that the arc is in a slightly different place. That has to throw a player off for a little while. His perimeter D has been very good, and some who have been watching say he can guard 2's and 3's on the perimeter. That already is an amazing set of assets. 3 and D players are very valuable right now.

But I completely agree with you. He needs to add movement to his game. Even if he is not yet ready to bang inside, he needs to add a slashing. I do not see why he should not be able to do this immediately. That is just coaching. Draw a play or two with Dragan slashing to open spots.

[Split T]

He had a nice play where he drove left, two or three dribbles, and pulled up for a 15 footer. Not many 7'1 guys have that in their game

[Indy]

3 and D players are very valuable right now.

Really? It seems like more guys are 3&D guys than anything else nowadays. Seems like they grow on trees.

[carey]

3 and D players are very valuable right now.

Really? It seems like more guys are 3&D guys than anything else nowadays. Seems like they grow on trees.

Not sure I agree. The players don't grow on trees, it's the overused description of the "3&D" player that does.

[O_Gardino]

The last thing I'm worried about with Bender is his weight right now. He's going to be fine in that department I believe. I am worried that the team apparently is comfortable with him just floating on the perimeter all game. I think in time he'll be able to do much more than that.

I agree. But think about it for a moment. Right now he is a somewhat legit three and D player at 7-1. I have no doubt he will be able to hit the open three with consistency. He is just getting used to the NBA three point line. He has the strength and range to shoot it, its just that the arc is in a slightly different place. That has to throw a player off for a little while. His perimeter D has been very good, and some who have been watching say he can guard 2's and 3's on the perimeter. That already is an amazing set of assets. 3 and D players are very valuable right now.

But I completely agree with you. He needs to add movement to his game. Even if he is not yet ready to bang inside, he needs to add a slashing. I do not see why he should not be able to do this immediately. That is just coaching. Draw a play or two with Dragan slashing to open spots.

I like this plan. I'm not sure he's ready for this against the big kids, but I sure hope he is.

[AmareIsGod]

3 and D players are very valuable right now.

Really? It seems like more guys are 3&D guys than anything else nowadays. Seems like they grow on trees.

Not sure I agree. The players don't grow on trees, it's the overused description of the "3&D" player that does.

Agree. The 3&D crap gets thrown around and used all the time to describe too many players. That doesn't make them true 3&D in the upper tier of that true category of player. It's the latest fad and catchphrase.

[ShelC]

Article on Bender. Not much we haven't discussed but a few highlights from SL:

http://www.complex.com/sports/2016/07/i ... ender-good

[TOO]

3 and D players are very valuable right now.

Really? It seems like more guys are 3&D guys than anything else nowadays. Seems like they grow on trees.

Not sure I agree. The players don't grow on trees, it's the overused description of the "3&D" player that does.

Agree. The 3&D crap gets thrown around and used all the time to describe too many players. That doesn't make them true 3&D in the upper tier of that true category of player. It's the latest fad and catchphrase.

Can anyone name 5 or 6 really good 3&D guys, yes it's a way overused term. Are Avery Bradley and Khris Middelton considered 3&D guys, or are they just good players?

[AmareIsGod]

[Split T]

3 and D players are very valuable right now.

Really? It seems like more guys are 3&D guys than anything else nowadays. Seems like they grow on trees.

Not sure I agree. The players don't grow on trees, it's the overused description of the "3&D" player that does.

Agree. The 3&D crap gets thrown around and used all the time to describe too many players. That doesn't make them true 3&D in the upper tier of that true category of player. It's the latest fad and catchphrase.

Can anyone name 5 or 6 really good 3&D guys, yes it's a way overused term. Are Avery Bradley and Khris Middelton considered 3&D guys, or are they just good players?

This list has every nba player last year that hit at least 100 3's at a greater than 36% clip and had greater than 1.5 defensive win shares.

http://www.basketball-reference.com/pla ... #stats::32

[Ring_Wanted]

Yeah, if we count just role players and not stars or borderline stars, I guess you have your typical Ariza, Thabo, Avery, Crowder, George Hill, DeMarre, etc. Aminu if he keeps it up. Dudley if not fat/injuried. PJ Tucker, at least for one season and change.

Klay was proclamed king of this breed but he has trascended such status.

Recently drafted kids who could add to the lineage include Luwawu and Taurean Prince. Cadwell-Pope or RHJ have a lot of potential here too. Then there is a number of 'fake' 3D guys like Terrence Ross or maybe Marcus Morris.

[specialsauce]

PJ is the king of 3&D imposters. He is neither 3 nor D. He's the overweight and rebound guy

[JCSunsfan]

3 and D players are very valuable right now.

Really? It seems like more guys are 3&D guys than anything else nowadays. Seems like they grow on trees.

Not sure I agree. The players don't grow on trees, it's the overused description of the "3&D" player that does.

Agree. The 3&D crap gets thrown around and used all the time to describe too many players. That doesn't make them true 3&D in the upper tier of that true category of player. It's the latest fad and catchphrase.

Can anyone name 5 or 6 really good 3&D guys, yes it's a way overused term. Are Avery Bradley and Khris Middelton considered 3&D guys, or are they just good players?

Serge Ibaka used to be. Wow. I started a duscussion I did not intend. It might be one of the first times I have ever used the term.

Anyway, if Bender can be a good three point shooter and defend the perimeter, that is valuable regardless if his height.