New York Knicks: Realistic trade options at point guard
Eric Bledsoe, Phoenix Suns
Age: 27 (12/9/1989)
Experience: 7 Seasons
2016-17 Slash Line: .434/.335/.847
2016-17 Season Averages: 33.0 MPG, 21.1 PPG, 6.3 APG, 4.8 RPG, 1.4 SPG, 1.6 3PM
The New York Knicks have reached out to the Phoenix Suns about the potential availability of point guard Eric Bledsoe. It will be difficult to trade for a player of Bledsoe’s magnitude, but if New York can pull it off, it would be a dream scenario.
New York wants a veteran point guard who can drive the lane, defend at a respectable level, and space the floor, and Bledsoe checks all three boxes.
Bledsoe is amongst the most well-rounded players in the NBA. He’s an elite slasher, an acceptable shooter with 3-point range, a quality facilitator, a productive rebounder, and a capable defensive player who has thrived in a lockdown role before.
With a top-flight skill—driving—and an at least average skill level in literally every other area, Bledsoe has the tools to consistently contribute at a high level.
The X-Factor here is that Bledsoe spent the better part of three seasons playing for current Knicks head coach Jeff Hornacek. He posted tremendous years under Hornacek in 2013-14, 2014-15, and 2015-16, and could build upon his best campaign yet, 2016-17, in New York.
Bledsoe ranked No. 11 in the NBA in points via drives per game in 2016-17, and shot better on the drive than all but three players ahead of him.
That makes him the perfect complement to Frank Ntilikina, who needs a slashing complement at the position.