The Phoenix Suns have one of the best young cores in the NBA, and a player at the forefront of their youth movement is Croatian rookie Dragan Bender. The young big man was selected with the fourth overall pick in the 2016 NBA Draft, and immediately many drew comparisons to fellow young big man Kristaps Porzingis.
But Bender’s NBA career has not gotten off to the best start so far, especially as of late. He has only played in one of the Suns’ last eight games. All season long, fellow rookie Marquese Chriss has been the one getting much more playing time than Bender, including 45 starts on the season despite being selected ninth in the same draft as Bender.
A nagging ankle injury has sidelined Bender recently. It may mean the international star might be forced to undergo surgery and end his rookie campaign a little early.
Croatian journalist Bernard Jurisic reports he will be undergoing surgery and missing the remainder of the season.
International basketball reporter David Pick also confirms Bender’s season is coming to an end.
I can confirm Dragan Bender's rookie season is over. Suns forward undergoes ankle surgery today, source said.
— David Pick (@IAmDPick) February 8, 2017
Bender is currently averaging 3.2 points per game, 2.2 rebounds while shooting 37 percent from the field and 32 percent from three-point range in 12.7 minutes a night.
UPDATE: The Suns officially announce that Bender will miss 4-6 weeks after undergoing ankle surgery.
Phoenix Suns forward Dragan Bender today underwent a successful routine arthroscopic procedure on his right ankle to remove a bone spur. The surgery was performed by Dr. Ned Amendola at Duke University Hospital. Bender is estimated to return to full basketball activity in approximately four to six weeks.
