JONATHAN BENDER
Months after announcing retirement, Bender waived
The Pacers waived oft-injured forward Jonathan Bender. - Read More...
The 10 Worst No. 5 Picks of the Last 25 Years
One thing the last 25 NBA Drafts have taught us is that there's not much middle ground when it comes to the No. 5 pick. On the one hand, the spot has yielded future Hall of Famers Charles Barkley, Scottie Pippen and Mitch Richmond, as well as present-day superstars Kevin Garnett, Vince Carter, Ray Allen and Dwyane Wade. And then there are past 5'ers like Jonathan Bender, a prodigy who missed badly and finally yielded to his perennially aching limbs by calling it a career Sunday at age 25. Bender's not the only No. 5 to break ... here are 10 busts picked fifth in the NBA Draft from the last 25 years. - Read More...
Pacers' Bender retires at age 25
Indiana Pacers forward Jonathan Bender retired Saturday after he was unable to recover from a series of knee injuries. "Due to a medical condition in my knees, I will not be able to continue playing basketball," the 25-year-old forward said in a statement through the team. "The Pacers gave me the chance to play with, and against, the best players in the world." Toronto made Bender the fifth pick in the 1999 draft, then traded him to Indiana before the season started. - Read More...
Pacers' Bender Announces End of Career
Jonathan Bender, a 7-foot forward with loads of potential unrealized, announced the end of his NBA career Saturday night in a statement released by the Pacers prior to their game against the Pistons at Conseco Fieldhouse. ?Due to a medical condition in my knees, I will not be able to continue playing basketball," Bender said. "I feel very fortunate that I had the opportunity to spend six seasons with the Indiana Pacers and I want to thank the organization for their support and encouragement." - Read More...
Pacers open camp missing Reggie
Something was missing. A beefier Jermaine O'Neal was still popping jumper after jumper. Ron Artest, seemingly stronger and more focused after a near-season-long suspension, was back and just as physical as ever. Stephen Jackson, Anthony Johnson, a healthy Jonathan Bender, they were all there, too. Yet something was definitely missing. - Read More...
Hurricane Hits Home For Bender, Granger
In the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina, Danny Granger and Jonathan Bender were hoping for good news. Both are natives of the New Orleans area who have homes and family in the devastated region. - Read More...
Pacers' Bender Officially Waived
The INDIANA PACERS announced Wednesday they have waived guard/forward Jonathan Bender. On Feb. 4, 2006, Bender announced that due to a medical condition in his knees, he would no longer be able to continue playing basketball. - Read More...
Knee troubles to prevent Pacers' Bender from playing
Indiana Pacers forward Jonathan Bender is almost certain his career is over because of a series of knee injuries. "Due to a ...
Knee injuries ending Bender's career at 25
Pacers forward Jonathan Bender retired Saturday after he was unable to recover from a series of knee injuries. - Read More...
Bender Faces Quandary: Retire or Try to Play
Mark Montieth and Mike Wells of the INDIANAPOLIS STAR reports, ?Jonathan Bender has two choices, neither of which is appealing. The injured Indiana Pacers forward can retire, or try to play again on knees that appear beyond repair and risk permanent damage. Although he said he's not ready to announce his retirement, he also has no immediate plans to return. He has not played since the Pacers' home opener Nov. 5, and has not practiced with the team since mid-November. "There's a lot of wear and tear," Bender said in a telephone interview from New Orleans, where he owns a home. "There's a big difference between the MRIs from last season and this season. I have no cartilage in my left knee, and the right knee is headed in that direction. It's like they've been shaved down." - Read More...
Athletes, teams pick up the pieces after Katrina
Athletes, teams pick up the pieces after Katrina
by ESPN.com news services
Athletes across the country are helping displaced relatives and friends in the wake of Hurricane Katrina as New Orleans teams and sporting events consider their upcoming seasons.
Indiana Pacers Jonathan Bender and Danny Granger are both taking in... - Read More...