In preparation for the 2016-17 Fantasy Basketball season, it's time to get to know some of the new guys in the player pool.  The 2015 draft brought in a massive influx of fantasy relevant NBA talent, from a burgeoning super-star at the top of the draft (Minnesota's Karl-Anthony Towns) to a hidden jewel in the middle of the 2nd round (Miami's Josh Richardson).  While this draft doesn't have as much guaranteed talent in the lottery, it does feature its own star at the top and a depth of intriguing players who could make an impact from out of the 2nd round.

The Suns have been a team stuck in the lottery for multiple years. They have acquired a plethora of first round picks over the last few years, but the fourth overall pick is their highest selection since 1987. They need help at power forward to fill out their young roster, and they selected Dragan Bender, a big man from Croatia, to help turn their franchise around.

NBA Rookie Fantasy Profile: Dragan Bender

Position: PF

Team: Phoenix Suns

Draft Spot: 1.04

Analysis: Bender entered the NBA Draft as the top prospect from overseas this season. For most of the draft process, he was expected to be the third overall selection, but as the draft approached, he fell in mock drafts to as far as the eighth overall. The Suns were known to have interest in a power forward, but there was growing suspicion that Phoenix would draft Marquese Chriss. Ultimately, Bender did not have to wait long to hear his name, as the Suns drafted him with the fourth overall pick in the draft.

Bender is a difficult prospect to rank in re-draft leagues. He isn’t an NBA ready prospect as the youngest player in the draft, but he does have great upside and he won’t see much competition on a Suns team that gave a ton of minutes to 19 year old Devin Booker this past season. He has elite size with a great jump shot to stretch the floor. He’s a player that isn’t afraid to go in the paint and rebound, but he isn’t strong enough to battle NBA big men on a nightly basis. He should continue to progress throughout the season, but Bender isn’t more than a late round pick in re-draft leagues.

The Suns will likely take it slow with Bender as they try to keep his confidence up and develop him. He is a good offensive player, as he has a couple post moves, but he excels with jump shots, including the three-point shot. He also has good passing ability for a big man. Once he puts on more muscle, he should be able to rebound at a high level, as well. He isn’t a great defender at this point in his career, but he’s a long player, which gives him shot blocking upside, and he has quick feet for a big man, which should eventually allow him to be a good perimeter defender. He’s a couple years away from contributing at a high level in the NBA, but he is going to be a multi-category contributor during his career, and he is a high upside stretch four.

Bottom Line: Unlikely to be a great fantasy asset his rookie season. Worth a late round flier at best in standard re-draft leagues. In future seasons, he has the upside to produce a solid FG%, 3PM, rebounds, assists, and blocks, and is a nice dynasty pick. Unlikely to ever be elite in any category, although he could be good in nearly every category.