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New York Knicks: Updated pros and cons of trading for Eric Bledsoe

By Maxwell Ogden

LOS ANGELES, CA - OCTOBER 21: Eric Bledsoe #2 of the Phoenix Suns warms up before the game against the LA Clippers on OCTOBER 21, 2017 at STAPLES Center in Los Angeles, California. Copyright 2017 NBAE (Photo by Andrew D. Bernstein/NBAE via Getty Images)
LOS ANGELES, CA - OCTOBER 21: Eric Bledsoe #2 of the Phoenix Suns warms up before the game against the LA Clippers on OCTOBER 21, 2017 at STAPLES Center in Los Angeles, California. Copyright 2017 NBAE (Photo by Andrew D. Bernstein/NBAE via Getty Images) /
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LOS ANGELES, CA – OCTOBER 21: Eric Bledsoe #2 of the Phoenix Suns goes to the basket against the LA Clippers on October 21, 2017 at STAPLES Center in Los Angeles, California. Copyright 2017 NBAE (Photo by Andrew D. Bernstein/NBAE via Getty Images)
LOS ANGELES, CA – OCTOBER 21: Eric Bledsoe #2 of the Phoenix Suns goes to the basket against the LA Clippers on October 21, 2017 at STAPLES Center in Los Angeles, California. Copyright 2017 NBAE (Photo by Andrew D. Bernstein/NBAE via Getty Images) /

Pro: Dribble Penetration

The New York Knicks have shooters, post players, and offensive rebounders. They’re attempting to run an offense that will feature the pick and roll, as well as shooters having the discretion to attack closeouts and drive baseline.

What the Knicks lack, however, is the ability to reliably get into the paint out of an isolation set—a strength that Eric Bledsoe possesses.

Bledsoe finished the 2016-17 season ranked No. 9 in drives per game and No. 11 in points via drives per game. He posted a better field goal percentage on the drive than seven of the 10 players ahead of him in volume, and struck a balance by ranking No. 12 in assists via drives per game.

Furthermore, Bledsoe ranked No. 13 in the NBA in free throw attempts per game at 6.9, thus displaying his ability to draw contact when his shots may not be falling.

With New York longing for a perimeter player who can consistently get into the heart of a defense, Bledsoe would be a perfect fit on offense. His penetrating style of offense would alleviate pressure from Kristaps Porzingis, as well as fellow guards Tim Hardaway Jr. and Frank Ntilikina.

It certainly helps that, when the opposition decides to play off of Bledsoe and test his jump shot, he’s at least capable of burying a three per game.

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