The Nikola Mirotic role could be filled for the Milwaukee Bucks.
The team signed stretch-four Dragan Bender to a two-year deal, according to ESPN.
Bender’s been with the Phoenix Suns since they drafted him No. 4 overall three seasons ago, but he just hasn’t worked out on a consistent basis.
Getting into Milwaukee’s system, with an MVP stealing most of the defense’s attention, may just be what the 21-year-old Croatian needs.
Bender’s best season was 2017-18, when he averaged 25.2 minutes a game and shot 36.6 percent from beyond the arc. His minutes, and therefore his numbers do not stand out by any means.
His three-year career averages are 5.3 points, 3.8 rebounds, and 1.2 assists in over 20.3 minutes per game.
That middle season, he started 37 of 82 games and averaged 6.5 points, 1.4 3-pointers, 4.4 rebounds and 1.6 assists.
His per-36-minute stats are fairly consistent, minus the jump in 3-point percentage two seasons ago.
Per-36, he’s averaged 12.5 points, shooting 44.7 percent from the field, 10.6 rebounds 1.3 blocks, 3.2 assists and 4.6 fouls.
