15. Dragan Bender – 2K20 Rating: 71
The Bucks’ true wildcard signing of the summer, Dragan Bender’s standing in 2K20 reflects the downward trajectory his reputation has taken on since he was drafted by the Phoenix Suns in 2016.
Bender started last season’s game rated as a 73 overall, yet had dropped down to a 71 by the final third of the season and remains at that same mark to begin NBA 2K20.
The Bucks’ own gamble on Bender is very much tied to a belief that his stock is at a low point where he could prove to be a real buy-low bargain, and essentially that may prove to be the case in 2K20 too.
If Bender is able to make the Bucks’ final roster, then crack the rotation and offer positive contributions as the year progresses, his value should climb steadily. It’s by no means impossible that Bender could finish this season not only getting back to his starting rating from 2K19, but even surpassing it.
Jon Horst, Mike Budenholzer and Co. will certainly be hoping that proves to be the case as it would reflect Bender becoming a truly useful player in the Bucks’ title pursuit.