2016 NBA Draft: Ranking And Analyzing The Top 20 Prospects

March 24, 2016; Anaheim, CA, USA; Duke Blue Devils guard Brandon Ingram (14) reacts during the 82-68 loss against Oregon Ducks during the second half of the semifinal game in the West regional of the NCAA Tournament at Honda Center. Mandatory Credit: Robert Hanashiro-USA TODAY Sports /

18 of 21

4. Dragan Bender, F, Croatia

Will Dragan Bender be the Kristaps Porzingis of the 2016 NBA Draft? Most NBA Draft experts are hoping that to be just the case. At only 18 years old, Bender has been receiving the type of hype that Porzingis garnered in the months leading up to the 2015 NBA Draft.

Questions is, is Bender the real deal?

At 7-foot-1, with the ability to play the four or five position, it’s hard not to compare him to the likes of Porzingis. Though, the same questions that faced his comparison are standing in front of Bender and his NBA potential.

Will his game translate to the NBA? Is he strong – and heavy – enough to play right now? After all, Porzingis’ transition to the league, as seamless as it was this past season, is kind of the exception for overseas players.

Bender can shoot the three and has all the tools to be a better than solid defender in the NBA, though, there are legitimate concerns in his game. With that said, if Bender can reach his potential he’s worth the risk.

Next: Kris Dunn