http://nba.sportfeeds.org/suns-give-dragan-bender-green-light-from-beyond-the-arc/
In the case of 19-year-old Bender, the Suns have set the target of six 3-point shots per game this preseason. Doesn’t matter how they come or even if they go in, Phoenix just wants to see the No. 4 overall pick get reps and gain experience.
“We want him to grow confidence-wise,” Watson said. “Once his confidence grows, he’s going to know what’s a good shot and what’s a bad shot.
“Ask Booker if he misses 10 in a row, will he shoot the next 10? He’ll say yes. We want that mentality from all our young players. But it takes time and opportunity to fail in order to be great.”
Through the first four games of the Suns’ exhibition slate, Bender converted on just 1-of-12 3-point attempts. But in Friday night’s win over the Dallas Mavericks, the Croatian forward hit on 2-of-5 shots from beyond the arc. He finished the game with 11 points on 4-of-9 shooting with seven rebounds, one assist and a +10 plus/minus.
“That’s the best thing for a young player like me – just to have the coach’s confidence,” Bender said. “If you’re a good shooter, you just need to have the confidence that you can hit the open shots.”