Phoenix Suns: 2016-17 First Quarter Grades

Eric Bledsoe

Eric Bledsoe is still the Suns’ best player, which is both a testament to his immense skill and the current state of the franchise. Can Bledsoe be the best player on a playoff-caliber team? Probably with the right supporting cast, but his uncharismatic style of leadership and his on again, off again approach to the game leaves something to be desired.

Averaging 18.8 points, 5.8 rebounds and 5.0 assists per game, Bledsoe is clearly the team’s most well-rounded player, especially on the nights where he also brings the defensive intensity. He’s still a force when he’s bullying his way to the basket, and in the games where he’s at his best, there’s no question he’s a top-10 point guard in this league.

Unfortunately, those don’t come every night, and consistency is probably the biggest thing — aside from his team’s record, his mediocre shooting percentages and his 3.1 turnovers per game — keeping him out of that discussion.

Bledsoe has the worst plus/minus outside of Brandon Knight, and while that’s a systemic part of a larger issue — i.e. the Suns’ youth and lack of established talent — as long as Phoenix remains so far outside the playoff field, where Bledsoe excels will always be overshadowed by the flaws in his game.

Grade: B-