Croatia’s Dragan Bender named NBA G League Player of the Week

Dragan Bender (Photo: HKS)

7 January 2020 – Croatian Dragan Bender (22) has been named the NBA G League Player of the Week for games played from 30 December to 5 January, the league announced on Monday. 

The 2.16 m forward, who is on assignment to the Wisconsin Herd from the Milwaukee Bucks, had was the NBA’s development league standout player with an average of 26.0 points, 9.5 rebounds, 1.5 steals and 3.5 blocks.

Bender, who was at the Phoenix Suns before joining the Bucks, led the Wisconsin Herd to a 2-0 record with 51.5% (17-33 FG) shot record from the field and 50.0% (6-12 3FG) from the three-point line. 

Bender set a personal G League season record for points, field goals, three-pointers and blocks. Bender was the only player in the league with a 26-point average, nine rebounds and three blocks.

“Bender has started all nine games he’s appeared in and averaged 21.1 points, 9.2 rebounds, 2.4 assists and 1.8 blocks on 50.4% shooting. He’s scored in double figures in each of the nine contests and has tallied five 20-point performances and five double-doubles. Bender is the lone player to appear in multiple G League contests this season and post averages of 21 points, nine rebounds, two assists and 1.8 blocks, while shooting 50% or higher from the field. Bender is the first Herd player to garner the award this season,” the league stated.