Ever since Eric Bledsoe was traded, I've been hearing a lot of differing opinions on whether or not he is actually as "good" as a lot of people says he is.
I think this conundrum has been happening because he's never been able to fully expand on his potential. Now, of course, players like Paul George and DeMarcus Cousins were recognized for their talents because of all the ridiculous numbers they put up.
However, just because Bledsoe hasn't been able to rack up crazy statistics doesn't mean he sucks. I've been hearing too often that he's "trash."
Well, people who says he's "trash," if he's trash, then where does that leave players like Kyle Lowry and Kyle Korver? (Both of whom have been in the league longer than Bledsoe.)
More people acknowledge Lowry and Korver than Bledsoe combined. Also, both Lowry and Korver have been named as All-Stars at least once. Bledsoe was never named an All-Star.
Which, quite honestly, is outrageous because, if we're going by these players' stats, Bledsoe can outdo the two.
Lowry has averaged 14.2 points, 4.1 rebounds and 5.8 assists over his 13 seasons in the NBA whereas Korver has averaged 10.0 points, 3.1 rebounds and 1.8 assists over his 16 seasons.
Bledsoe has averaged 13.1 points, 3.8 rebounds and 4.6 assists over his eight seasons in the league. Obviously, his stats are lack slightly behind Lowry, but just the fact that he was never even popularly considered for an All-Star title is crazy.
Anyways, Bledsoe going to the Milwaukee Bucks is going to be a step up the ladder for them, to say the least.
First, let me present to you thoughts from NBA experts, per NBA.com:
Shaun Powell:Amazingly, this Bledsoe trade helps Giannis Antetokounmpo become a better player. Without the burden of having to run the offense -- that'll be split by Bledsoe and Malcom Brogdon now -- he can be turned loose to finish more plays and develop his catch-and-shoot skills, which is really the only area that can be classified as a mild weakness. Both Brogdon and Bledsoe can play off the ball and therefore Jason Kidd has multiple lineups and weapons to throw at the other bench. I'm not ready to put Milwaukee in The NBA Finals yet, but if the Cavs don't get their act together (I suspect they will), the Bucks with Bledsoe (and a healthy Jabari Parker) will rattle the cage next spring.
Steve Aschburner: Acquiring Bledsoe moves the Bucks into contention for one of the East’s top four seeds, in my opinion. He’s a potent, athletic scorer, a Top 50 talent in the league, and he’s got something to prove after his clumsy (but ultimately effective) departure from Phoenix. Giannis Antetokounmpo and Khris Middleton need some help in Milwaukee’s offense, more than just optimism about Jabari Parker’s return. The backcourt depth presumably will make up for giving up helpful reserve Greg Monroe, and there will still be considerable minutes for last year’s ROY Malcolm Brogdon.
Like, I said, the Bucks get nothing but benefits from this.
After Jabari Parker finally returns from his injury and is healthy, Milwaukee's going to have yet another body to put on the court. They'll be able to have a--somewhat--better rotation off the bench.
If it's still too complex for you, here's a quick run down of how the Bucks got a steal: