Milwaukee Bucks: Eric Bledsoe an X-factor for the playoffs

While not the headliner, Eric Bledsoe will have the chance to push the Milwaukee Bucks to new heights with his play in the 2019 NBA Playoffs.

Now more than ever, it takes a surplus of individual talent for teams to contend for an NBA championship. It’s not enough to have just one superstar. Even two doesn’t get it done most seasons. In 2019, you need at least three high-level basketball players if you want just a chance to compete at the highest level.

So, when the Milwaukee Bucks acquired Eric Bledsoe in November of 2017, it was viewed as the next step for a team looking to work its way up the Eastern Conference ladder, solidifying arguably the most important position of the five with an athletic, two-way bowling ball right in the middle of his prime.

There have been ups and there have certainly been downs, but his talent is undeniable, and while the duo of Giannis Antetokounmpo and Khris Middleton are the All-Stars of the team, it’s Bledsoe’s raw skill-set that will likely have a lot of input on Milwaukee’s chances of capitalizing on what has been a phenomenal season.

In the first round of the 2018 NBA Playoffs, the Bucks lost a soul-crushing Game 7 to the Boston Celtics, and a big reason for it was the play of their starting point guard. For the series, Bledsoe shot 31.8 percent from distance en route to averaging just 13.6 points per game.

The former Kentucky Wildcat wasn’t any better defensively, allowing opposing guard Terry Rozier to go off for 17.6 points and 6.7 assists per game on 38.2 percent shooting from beyond the arc.

Giannis and Middleton did their best to carry the load, combining for 50.4 points per game over the seven-game series, but Bledsoe’s inefficient play at both ends of the court was clearly too much to overcome for Milwaukee.

Now, it seems as though Bledsoe’s settled into his role quite nicely under new head coach Mike Budenholzer. Last year, it was clear the normally ball-dominant point guard was struggling when it came time to relinquish control. This season, he’s done so without a peep, with a usage rate at its lowest point since his third season in the NBA.

Bledsoe’s averaging 15.8 points, 5.5 assists and 4.7 rebounds in just under 30 minutes a night. The Bucks’ offensive rating jumps 6.2 points when he’s on the court, and while his shooting still isn’t great at just 32.1 percent from 3-point land on 4.8 attempts per game, Milwaukee’s done a great job of acquiring a number of snipers to counteract those deficiencies.

When fully engaged on the defensive end, Bledsoe’s got the strength and athleticism to stifle even the best perimeter threats, which should come in handy when guys like Kyle Lowry and Kyrie Irving will likely stand in Milwaukee’s path for a spot in the NBA Finals.

Against the Houston Rockets on Tuesday night, Bledsoe’s game was on full display, finishing with 23 points and seven assists in just 29 minutes of action, including two thundering and statement blocks on MVP candidate James Harden.

He relentlessly attacked the bucket in transition and shot 4-of-7 from beyond the arc. He also played a part in limiting Harden to just 9-of-26 shooting from the field during a convincing 108-94 victory.

In giving him a four-year, $70 million contract before the start of free agency, the Bucks have put their faith in Bledsoe. In doing so, they’re hoping last year’s postseason failures are a thing of the past enough to bounce back in a big way come April and May. If he does, Milwaukee has a great chance of extending its season into June as well.