Suns Player Previews: Eric Bledsoe
By John Adair
Apr 27, 2013; Memphis, TN, USA; Los Angeles Clippers point guard Eric Bledsoe (12) brings the ball up court during game four of the first round of the 2013 NBA playoffs against the Memphis Grizzlies at the FedEx Forum. Memphis won 104-83. Mandatory Credit: Spruce Derden-USA TODAY Sports
- 6’1″, 195 lbs
- Point Guard – Kentucky
- 23 years old
- 18th Selection by OKC Thunder
- 2012-2013 Averages: 8.5 points, 3.1 assists, 3.0 rebounds, 17.60 PER
Eric Bledsoe is entering his first season with the Phoenix Suns, and right away he will be expected to produce at a high level. Despite serving as a back-up for his three-year stint with the Los Angeles Clippers, Bledsoe has been viewed as one of the up-and-coming point guards in the league. If not for Chris Paul, Bledsoe would have already begun his journey as a starting NBA point guard.
Regardless, Bledsoe was acquired along with Caron Butler from the Clippers in a trade that sent two second-round picks to the Milwaukee Bucks and Jared Dudley and J.J. Redick to Lob City.
In just his second season as a pro, Bledsoe was dubbed “Mini LeBron” by his Clipper teammates. That is high praise for a guy that stands just 6’1″ and weighs under 200 pounds. Either way, that is the statement made for his athleticism.
Bledsoe is known for his lightning quick first step and slashing abilities. However, in his final season with Los Angeles he managed to shoot the three-pointer at an impressive 39.7% clip.
In a game against Phoenix last year, he managed to put up 17 points, 7 assists, and 2 steals in just 22 minutes of work in route to a 126-101 victory for the Clippers.
Jeff Hornacek’s plan is to play Bledsoe alongside Goran Dragic, despite the size conflict. Bledsoe did share the court with Paul at times in his previous three years, and does well without the ball, but defensively, the Suns may have a liability on their hands.
The pressure will be on Bledsoe to prove that he is potentially the future of the Suns. Despite being in his first season with the team, there may be more pressure to succeed on him than any returning player.