I think, and hope, Bender is over his issues with being a starter. It seemed like he got in his own head too much when he was made a starter previously. I don't think there is enough of a talent gap or acclimation process of getting used to playing with the first or second unit because the rotations have been all over the place due to injuries since 2018 rolled around. It seemed like he couldn't be at all effective unless he came off the bench before. With Chriss' injury and then suspension though it's given Bender enough time to settle himself down and get used to starting from the opening tip. I'd like to see him produce more but that's the next step for him now that he's gotten past his issue with being a starter.
Bender seems to be a really coachable player as well. Everything Bordow has written in regards to Bender's development and Triano's plans for him we've been able to see in games. Of course you'd hope that a player picked #4 overall was more NBA ready but if this was his rookie year, I think people would be higher on him as a player than they are/were. He's had a decent season so far that is definitely much improved on his rookie campaign. He's become a solid outside shooter, he's driving to the basket now also, and he's not nearly as timid as he was passing up good looks for himself. He needs to get stronger so he can be a better defender and finish through contact but defensively he gets in the right position and makes smart moves. It's easier to develop strength than basketball IQ, hopefully he works hard this summer to get stronger so he can be a better rebounder and not get bullied out of position on both ends of the floor. There's still a lot of areas for him to improve upon but at least we're seeing development from him rather than being the same player he was when the Suns picked him, like Len. There really isn't much difference in Len's play now compared to 5 years ago.
