ATLANTA – Nearly seven weeks past minor ankle surgery, Suns rookie forward Dragan Bender has increased his basketball activity and is getting closer to a possible return.
"This is the most he’s done," coach Earl Watson said after Monday's practice here at Philips Arena, where the Suns on Tuesday will play the Atlanta Hawks. "And you can tell, just look at him right now."
On the court, Bender, 19, was bent over, hands on knees, trying to catch his breath after a shooting workout.
"He's tired, but he looks good," Watson continued. "He’s moving well. Hopefully, we get him back soon, but as you know, it’s the next day to see what he feels like because of the foot.