Jonathan Bender

Jonathan Bender is a former American professional basketball player who played in the National Basketball Association from 1999 to 2010. He has played for the Indiana Pacers and the New York Knicks.

Player Profile and Personal Life

Jonathan Rene Bender was born on January 30, 1981, in Picayune, Mississippi, United States of America. He stands 213 cm tall and his playing weight was listed 102 kg. Bender played primarily as a small forward and power forward. He also shot right-handed.

When he was an active player, he was known for reading while on the road. He was seen reading mostly business books.

High School Career

Bender attended Picayune Memorial High School in Picayune, Mississippi. In 1999, he was named Mr. Basketball USA. He was also named Mississippi Mr Basketball that year and the McDonald’s All-American MVP.

He did not attend college and instead declared for the NBA draft after high school.

Professional Career

Bender was selected 5th overall by the Toronto Raptors in the 1999 NBA Draft and was immediately traded to the Indiana Pacers.

Despite showing flashes of potential, Bender's career was plagued by chronic knee problems.

After retiring in 2006 due to persistent knee issues, Bender attempted a comeback with the New York Knicks in 2009, playing 25 games before retiring for good in 2010.

Post-Playing Career

After retiring, Bender became an entrepreneur, inventing a medical device called the JB Intensive Trainer to help strengthen and rehabilitate knees.

Career Highlights

• 1999 - Mr. Basketball USA
• 1999 - First-team Parade All-American
• 1998 - Fourth-team Parade All-American
• 1999 - McDonald's All-American MVP
• 1999 - Mississippi Mr. Basketball

NBA Career Statistics

• Points: 1,453 (5.5 ppg)
• Rebounds: 582 (2.2 rpg)
• Blocks: 169 (0.6 bpg)