By Eurohoops team / barkas@eurohoops.net
Dragan Bender’s trajectory has been conditioned by knee injuries, but he hasn’t stopped trying to get back on track. His next step should be Italy with Napoli Basket, which won last year’s Italian Cup.
His latest adventure was in the 2022-23 ACB season with Obradoiro, averaging 17.2 points and 6.5 rebounds. Despite good numbers, he couldn’t find an agreement with any teams the following year.
Prior to his return to Europe with Maccabi Tel Aviv in the 2020-21 season, the Croatian 26-year-old power forward spent five years in the NBA, mainly with the Phoenix Suns (2016-19) while also playing with Milwaukee and Golden State.
Alessandro Dalla Salda told Repubblica that Napoli Basket has found an agreement to bring the Croatian forward for the first time to Italy. “[Dragan] Bender is part of the team philosophy we are building. But to get back on top he needs time. So we may sign a player while waiting for his return”, he revealed.
The Italian club’s sports director hinted at his complete agreement with the club but left the door open for a temporary substitute. It’s no surprise, therefore, that Napoli announced a deal with Dario Drežnjak. Dragan Bender is the latest of good names joining the team, which has also acquired Kevin Pangos.
PHOTO CREDIT: Turkish Airlines EuroLeague
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