NBA: Former Top Five Pick Looking To Step Up For Golden State Warriors

KEY POINTS

Dragan Bender was a bright spot for the Golden State Warriors with multiple 10-day contracts
The Warriors may benefit from Bender's presence if he's given another chance in the succeeding season
One of Bender's top games in his brief Warriors stint was a 23-point performance against the Los Angeles Clippers

Despite all the struggles this season by the Golden State Warriors, the front office is determined to make the best adjustments for the team. One possible talent the team can take advantage of Dragan Bender.

With everything that has happened with Golden State this year, the team has been active in moving around their roster. Throughout the disappointing season, several moves were made in order to improve on their options for years to come. One of these includes trading their offseason pickup of D’Angelo Russell for the versatile forward and former number one overall pick Andrew Wiggins.

To add to these, in the middle of the season, prior to the coronavirus suspension, the Warriors made a move for former number four overall draft pick Bender to a 10-day contract. The way Bender made the most out of his minutes was impressive enough for the front office to offer him a second 10-day stint. It was unfortunately cut short by the global pandemic suspension.

One of the highlights of this stretch for Bender was a big 23-point game versus the Los Angeles Clippers. The seven-foot big man finished the game with eight out of 12 shooting from the field to go along with seven rebounds and three assists.

Per Blue Man Hoop, Bender has a chance to make a name for himself and solidify his role with the Warriors. Known as one of the best international talents in the 2016 NBA draft class, Bender can revitalize himself by being a consistent contributor on the offensive side. The Croatian star started his career with the Phoenix Suns but was unable to blossom as the star he was expected to be. With a new environment surrounded by proven winners such as Steph Curry and Klay Thompson, he can now serve as a big man who can stretch the floor with his shooting.

While plans are not final yet for the Bay Area team, it would be interesting to see how Golden State will strategize for the upcoming seasons and for the NBA draft. It will be important to have dependable players such as Bender that could support the team and at the same time provide the energy needed for the Warriors.