Jonathan “Mind” Bender making his mark in New York
Jonathan Bender is back in the NBA after missing 3 full seasons and having only played 2 games in his “final” 2005-06 season. He is playing inspired basketball and the New York Knicks have gone 2-0 since.
Bender dropped in 11 points in 14:42 against Charlotte Sunday night. He has been tenacious giving New York vital depth in the post they have been missing.
Bender might not post All Star numbers, but he is becoming the catalyst to the Knicks second unit. With lost cause Eddy Curry wasting away like a 7 foot 300 plus pound tumbleweed, signing Bender has paid dividends massively in the early going of his comeback.
After a 3-year absence, Bender is back. (Credit: picapp.com)
Bender is a player who has gained playoff experience during his Indiana Pacers years. The Pacers teams he played for were tough. You do not play alongside the likes of Ron Artest and Stephen Jackson without growing tougher. It appears he is bringing some of this mindset to the Knicks, who can only benefit dramatically by growing tougher mentally.
Ex-Teammates Stephen Jackson and Ron Artest are both in disbelief that he would ever return:
Of course folks will speculate about how long Bender can play before his right knee gives out again. After missing three full years of NBA action while only playing 237 games over 7 seasons, it makes sense to have doubts about the longevity of his comeback.
However, this comeback after being away from NBA caliber basketball for over 3 years is simply a mind bender. Even more mind bending is the prospect of the Knicks turning their season around and making their way into the playoffs. At 10-17, it is not inconceivable that they can do so.
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Mon, Dec 21, 2009 by Adam Sedie
News, Opinions