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2016-17 Player Reviews: Eric Bledsoe

By Matthew Daniels

Mar 3, 2017; Phoenix, AZ, USA; Phoenix Suns forward Alan Williams (15) grabs a rebound against Oklahoma City Thunder center Enes Kanter (11) in the second quarter at Talking Stick Resort Arena. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 3, 2017; Phoenix, AZ, USA; Phoenix Suns forward Alan Williams (15) grabs a rebound against Oklahoma City Thunder center Enes Kanter (11) in the second quarter at Talking Stick Resort Arena. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports /
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Eric Bledsoe had a near All-Star season this year, playing like a top-tier point guard. Unfortunately, he was shut down for the last 14 games of the season.

Bledsoe had his best season yet of his career, averaging 21.1 points, 4.8 rebounds and 6.3 assists. For most of the season Bledsoe was one of five players averaging at least 20 points, 5 rebounds and 5 assists and had he been able to keep that pace up, he would have been the first Sun to accomplish such a feat since Charles Barkley in 1992-93.

After tearing his meniscus in December of 2015, Bledsoe had a ton of weight put on his shoulders as fans questioned his health and his ability to recover from a third knee injury. Bledsoe responded by putting in a great amount of hard work over the offseason, preparing himself to put on his greatest season.

Mar 11, 2017; Dallas, TX, USA; Phoenix Suns guard Eric Bledsoe (2) reacts after scoring during the second half against the Dallas Mavericks at American Airlines Center. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 11, 2017; Dallas, TX, USA; Phoenix Suns guard Eric Bledsoe (2) reacts after scoring during the second half against the Dallas Mavericks at American Airlines Center. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-USA TODAY Sports /

Eric Bledsoe has made his mark as one of the toughest players in the NBA. Driving to the basket with force and diving for loose balls has become his trademark. Pair his aggressiveness with his improved play-making ability and you have got yourself a borderline elite point guard. From January 16th to February 3rd, Bledsoe was playing like the one of the best players  in the league. Over a 10 game period he averaged; 27.8 points, 7.3 assists and 5.2 rebounds, this included two 41 point games. Only Russell Westbrook and James Harden equaled or exceeded that stat line.

Feb 8, 2017; Memphis, TN, USA; Phoenix Suns guard Eric Bledsoe (2) warms up before the game against the Memphis Grizzlies at FedExForum. Mandatory Credit: Justin Ford-USA TODAY Sports
Feb 8, 2017; Memphis, TN, USA; Phoenix Suns guard Eric Bledsoe (2) warms up before the game against the Memphis Grizzlies at FedExForum. Mandatory Credit: Justin Ford-USA TODAY Sports /

However, the 2016-17 season wasn’t all sunshine and roses for Eric. While he did experience his best statistical season, one stat held him back: winning. Bledsoe’s biggest critique is that he cannot lead his team to wins. Although the team is young, Eric just cannot lead his team the way they need it. His biggest deficiency is that he needs to create more opportunities for his teammates. Five assists is the bare minimum a starting point guard should be averaging and he averaged six. His shooting has also held him back, shooting an average 43.4% and 33.5% for downtown.

Jan 5, 2017; Dallas, TX, USA; The Phoenix Suns bench celebrates a basket by guard Eric Bledsoe (2) against the Dallas Mavericks during the second half at the American Airlines Center. The Suns defeat the Mavericks 102-95. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 5, 2017; Dallas, TX, USA; The Phoenix Suns bench celebrates a basket by guard Eric Bledsoe (2) against the Dallas Mavericks during the second half at the American Airlines Center. The Suns defeat the Mavericks 102-95. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports /

Summary

Bledsoe is playing the best ball of his career right now. He is scoring and defending at high levels. He has put the city and team on his back and is giving everything he has every single game. While his shooting is definitely preventing him from truly reaching the upper echelon of the league, he is still a solid starter in the NBA. As he builds chemistry with Booker and the other young players, he can improve his game and the game of others around him.

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