Leading By Example
Since the offseason began, Eric Bledsoe has quite possibly been the most feel-good part of Phoenix’s summer. Drafting Devin Booker has a lot of fans excited and there were a few days there when it really seemed possible that LaMarcus Aldridge would shirk the Spurs and join the Suns.
Hoops Habit
But for the team’s best player to be stepping up his game both on and off the court speaks volumes about his importance to the team and his dedication to becoming even better.
For those who wondered aloud about Bledsoe’s ceiling or about his nightly effort, this summer has been a good indication that he’ll be looking to prove a lot of people wrong in 2015-16.
"“I just thought it was important to be around this summer to put the work in and to show that I’m dedicated to the team,” Bledsoe told Paul Coro of the Arizona Republic. “I was working out with some of the newer guys and I built relations with Archie (Goodwin), T.J. (Warren) and Alex (Len) during the season. I told them I’d come here and check them out to see how much they’ve improved.”"
Eric Bledsoe will probably never be much of a vocal leader. His demeanor on the court is far louder than he is off of it, but maybe that’s the point. With Chandler and Knight in the locker room, perhaps the Suns don’t need Bledsoe to be the one in teammates’ ears.
If he’s able to elevate his game to an All-Star caliber level, maybe leading by example with superb play and an exemplary work ethic will be enough.
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