Phoenix Suns: Five Things to Watch Post All-Star Break
Will Eric Bledsoe Return and What Will He Bring?
December 27, 2013; Oakland, CA, USA; Phoenix Suns point guard Eric Bledsoe (2) drives to the basket against Golden State Warriors point guard
Stephen Curry(30) during the first quarter at Oracle Arena. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports
The last we heard was that Eric Bledsoe was still working his way back, after having meniscal surgery a few months back. We know what he was doing before he went out, as he was unquestionably the best perimeter defender and the best chance the Suns had at stopping penetration. Can he bring that same game if (and when) he returns?
He’ll likely be taking minutes away from Leandro Barbosa and to a lesser extent, Ish Smith. I don’t see him messing up the chemistry too badly, but I do worry that taking the ball out of Goran’s hands isn’t the best option for the team. Bledsoe could function as a terrific defender and another transition option, but the Suns will really have to be careful to not render Dragic inert.