Milwaukee Bucks: 5 reasons the Eric Bledsoe trade was a win

2. Eric Bledsoe has the defensive tools the Bucks crave

The Milwaukee Bucks have a type. They play a hyper-aggressive defensive scheme centered around trapping the ball-handler and forcing off-target, slow passes. That allows them time to recover and increases the likelihood of turnovers. Executed correctly, it smothers opposing offenses. But to do so, it requires quick athletes with plenty of length.

Giannis Antetokounmpo has a wingspan of 7’4″. Thon Maker is at 7’3″ and backup center John Henson is at 7’5″. On the wing, Khris Middleton has a 6’10” wingspan, as does Malcolm Brogdon. Jabari Parker and Tony Snell are 6’11”. No matter the lineup the Bucks trot out, they have incredible length at every position.

Eric Bledsoe slots right into the mix. Although standing just 6’1″ tall, he has a wingspan of more than 6’7″. This allows him to clog up passing lanes, generate steals and even block shots. Bledsoe has ranked in the 83rd percentile or better in blocked shots among point guards six times in the past seven seasons.

Bledsoe can also crash the glass, three times ranking in the 90th percentile or better among point guards at defensive rebound percentage over the past four seasons. While the scheme in Phoenix did not have him crashing the offensive glass, early in his career he put up elite numbers in offensive rebounding percentage as well.

In short, Eric Bledsoe is long enough to fit exactly what the Milwaukee Bucks are doing on defense. They have constructed a roster of long athletes, and Bledsoe fits the bill.