National Basketball Association

Suns address their front court, take Dragan Bender with fourth pick

Published Jun. 23, 2016 8:01 p.m. ET

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The Phoenix Suns addressed their frontcourt Thursday, taking center Dragan Bender with the fourth-overall pick in the NBA Draft.

Bender, who played for Maccabi Tel Aviv last season, reminds some of Knicks' budding star Kristaps Porzingis, as both big men can stretch the floor and are explosive in space. But there are questions about whether Bender has the desire to be great, which is something Porzingis displayed in his rookie season to take New York by storm.

The 18-year-old big man also needs to pack on some bulk to his 7-1, 225-pound frame. But his size and skill set should translate well into today's game, which stresses multidimensional players who can shoot.

Bender should get some playing time immediately with the Suns, who have depth in the backcourt but are a little thin in the frontcourt.

"It's always for young guys that there's a couple young guys on the team that are the same age," Bender said, via the Associated Press. "It's a good thing for Phoenix, for sure, for the organization."

The Suns weren’t done adding young depth to their frontcourt, acquiring Marquese Chriss -- the No. 8 pick from the Sacramento Kings, according to multiple reports. Phoenix reportedly sent the 13th and 28th picks and forward Bogdan Bogdanovic to Sacramento as part of the deal.

Chriss is another big man who can stretch the floor, hitting 35 percent of his shots from beyond the arc. The 6-9, 225-pound power forward needs to work on his rebounding at the next level, averaging just 5.4 boards in his lone season at Washington.

Chriss finished his freshman season strong, averaging 23 points and 7.5 rebounds in two NIT games.

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