By Craig Fields
So as we all may or may not know, this year’s free agent class will be one of the most talented and deep ones in the history of the NBA. I mean we have LeBron, Carmelo, Kyle Lowry, Rudy Gay, and Dirk Nowitzki testing the market just to name a few of the big names that will be available this summer.
However, for the sake of this article we will simply look at the top option for what is arguably the most important position on the court, which would be point guard. A competent point guard can turn a rag tag bunch of individuals into a somewhat formidable competitive team. A point guard runs the offense, gives assignments, and also needs to be able to improvise in an instant capitalizing on mismatches and advantages that may occur at any given point in the game.
So without further ado the top free agent point guard is..…Eric Bledsoe.
I know, I know. I hear you. “How can Eric Bledsoe be at the top of the list when he has been hurt most of the season?” And yes you have a valid point, but allow me to explain. There is a reason why the Phoenix Suns President of Basketball Operations, Lon Babby said, “Yes,” when asked if the team would match any other offer. “If you ask me today, I would say absolutely we are going to match any offer.”
That speaks volumes in todays’ league where money is such an important factor. Bledsoe is currently doing his best Dwyane Wade impression by currently averaging career highs in points at 17.4, assists 5.7, rebounds 4.5, and steals 1.5.
There is no doubt about the respect he commands out on the court. He runs that Phoenix Suns high octane offense almost flawlessly. It also helps that he got to learn from one of the best in the game during his time with the Los Angeles Clippers, Mr. Chris Paul. He is very young. At 24 years old, Bledsoe still has room to grow. For the Phoenix Suns to reach their full potential, he and Goran Dragic will need to be able to coexist in the same backcourt.
So far there has been nothing showing that these two will have a problem with cohesiveness. Since Bledsoe has returned to the starting lineup, the Suns have won five of their last seven games. Bledsoe has proven to be clutch in the waning moments of games, and continues to not be afraid of the big moment.
One thing that needs to come down a bit are his turnovers. He is averaging three a game and his assist to turnover ratio is 1.9. That is not good, but will get better as he becomes more comfortable in his role with the team. Simply put Bledsoe has all the tools to be a premier point guard and possible all-star in this league for years to come.