Overview
Reggie Bullock attended Kinston High School and was regarded as the 16th best player in college class of 2010 after leading his team to two state championships, averaging 25 points and 11 rebounds his senior year.
After three seasons at University of North Carolina, the shooting guard was drafted by the Los Angeles Clippers with the 25th overall pick in the 2013 NBA Draft. Bullock’s NBA debut was made on Oct. 29, 2013 against the Los Angeles. Lakers, where he scored two points.
After being traded on Jan. 15, 2015 to the Phoenix Suns, Bullock was touted as a player the team had their eye on for a while. However, Reggie Bullock failed to make much of an impact in his brief half-season stint with the team. Not that he was given much of an opportunity to do so.
The 6’7″ guard averaged 1.9 points and 1.4 rebounds in just 9.4 minutes a game last season. A bright spot: Bullock was able to average 23.8 points, 9.8 rebounds, 1.5 steals and 1.3 blocks per contest in four games with the Suns D-League affiliate, the Bakersfield Jam.
Here’s a look back at his 2014-15 season with the Suns.
Next: Weaknesses
Weaknesses
While we have been given an incredibly small sample size of Reggie Bullock in the NBA, his primary weaknesses are clear. His ball-handling and passing must improve. His ability to shoot the three-pointer will make defenders play tight on him in space, making it that much more crucial for him to make the right pass to the right teammate.
With defenders respecting his jump shot, at times the best offensive move Bullock can make is a pump-fake and a drive to the basket. In order to execute this to the best of his ability, his ball-handling must be stronger. A 6’7″ shooting guard is a nice asset to have, but a 6’7″ shooting guard who can dribble the basketball is a GREAT asset to have.
Next: Strengths
Strengths
Upon coming to the Suns, Bullock was labeled as a “3-and-D” type player, or in layman terms, a player who can shoot the three and defend at a high level.
In four games with the Jam, he lived up to his sharp-shooting reputation, shooting 46.2 percent from behind the arc. With a stroke that is as pure as anyone on the Suns, for Bullock, it’s now about showing what he can do on the NBA level.
In the Suns’ high octane offense, Bullock may prove to be an extremely valuable piece next season, as he is able to spread the floor and open up room to work for Eric Bledsoe and Brandon Knight.
On defense is where the guard may be able to distinguish himself the most. Bullock is extremely fluid in his movement, allowing him to guard three different positions. This past season at the NBA level, his opponents shot 7.3 percent worse than their normal percentage when being guarding by Bullock, per NBA.com.
Next: Lowlights
Lowlights
Acquired with two and a half months left in the regular season by the Suns, Bullock was thought to play a much larger role than he ever had in the NBA. Unfortunately, to the shock of most, it didn’t quite go that way.
Bullock failed to register more than three minutes of playing time in a game with the Suns until Feb. 28 when he played 14 minutes against the San Antonio Spurs. He would only register three more games where his playing time reached double-digits, ending the season with a grand total of four points and a concussion.
Next: Highlights
Highlights
While there is no doubt Bullock has talent, much of his NBA hype has been predicted on potential more than actual substance. For a glance at just what he could be for the Suns next season, look no further than these clips.
Next: Final Grade
Grade: Incomplete
If Bullock’s season performance was a high school homework assignment, the grade would undoubtedly be “Incomplete.” Bullock’s time with the Suns was shockingly quiet, considering the fact they went out of their way to acquire him midseason.
Just judging his lack of usage on Phoenix would draw serious alarm, but considering his performance while in the D-League and in game action with the Clippers, there is still hope.
Only time will tell with Bullock. Check back next season for a true grade.
More 2014-15 Phoenix Suns Player Grades:
Jerel McNeal
Danny Granger
Brandan Wright
Earl Barron
Marcus Thornton
T.J. Warren
Archie Goodwin
Alex Len
Marcus Morris
Gerald Green
Next: Phoenix Suns: 10 Worst Moments Of 2014-15