5. Be More Vocal
The biggest knock on Eric Bledsoe to this point in his career has been his high turnover rate, and not far behind that is his mediocre three-point shooting. But as another offseason passes without the Suns acquiring a star player, Bledsoe remains the best player on the roster. With that designation come certain responsibilities.
Sir Charles In Charge
For those doubting Bledsoe’s status as a great two-way point guard, consider that he joined LeBron James, James Harden and Russell Westbrook as the only four players in the NBA to post a 17-6-5 stat line last season. There’s no doubt this young team could use some leadership from their primary floor general, as many were expecting to be the case after Goran Dragic and Isaiah Thomas were traded away.
Being a vocal leader hasn’t really been Bledsoe’s thing to this point in his career, and it may never be. But he made great strides this summer, proving to the fan base that he’s invested in what the Suns are building here in Phoenix. From attending Summer League games to working out with Alex Len to attending pre-draft workouts, Bledsoe has been a constant presence for this organization’s activities all offseason.
Tyson Chandler will bring the veteran experience and locker room leadership the Suns have needed and Brandon Knight, a more well-spoken and vocal player, has the natural charisma to take on a leadership role in the future as well. But it never hurts when a team’s best player speaks up on the court and that will be another big step in Bledsoe’s evolution.
Next: No. 4