SAN ANTONIO, TX - DECEMBER 28: Dragan Bender #35 of the Phoenix Suns handles the ball during the game against the San Antonio Spurs on December 28, 2016 at the AT&T Center in San Antonio, Texas. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2016 NBAE (Photos by Mark Sobhani/NBAE via Getty Images)Mark Sobhani/Getty Images

Dragan Bender Injury: Updates on Suns Forward's Recovery from Ankle Surgery

Adam WellsFeb 8, 2017

Phoenix Suns rookie Dragan Bender's season has come to an abrupt end due to an ankle injury. After undergoing successful surgery, he's expected to return to basketball activity in four to six weeks.

Continue for updates.

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Latest on Bender's Surgery

Wednesday, Feb. 8

Cody Cunningham of the Suns' official website reported that Bender's surgery to remove a bone spur went well.

Bender Showed Promise in Sporadic Minutes This Season

The Suns drafted Bender fourth overall last summer. He's played sparingly in his debut season, appearing in 38 games and averaging 3.2 points and 2.2 rebounds in 12.7 minutes played.

Bender originally injured his ankle during a Jan. 22 game against the Toronto Raptors in what the team announced as soreness.

After missing four games, he made a brief return to the lineup on Feb. 1 against the Los Angeles Clippers. He played 13 minutes and scored five points but was unable to play in the next three games before his surgery Wednesday.

Bender's season-ending injury is the cherry on top of what has been a rough stretch for the Suns. Their 16-36 record is the worst in the Western Conference and ahead of only the Brooklyn Nets in the NBA.

By undergoing the procedure now, Bender does get a head start on being able to rehab for next season. It's not how the 19-year-old wanted his first professional season to go, but his ability to rebound from this setback will help determine how high his NBA ceiling goes.