The point guard position has been a blazing hot topic of discussion for the LA Clippers over the past year, and it appears they are ready to try something new.
As initially reported by ESPN insider Adrian Wojnarowski, the Clippers are trading Patrick Beverly, Rajon Rondo, and Daniel Oturu to the Memphis Grizzlies in exchange for Eric Bledsoe. The trade certainly took everyone by surprise when it went down Sunday evening, but it appears that LA wanted to take a swing and bring a household name into the backcourt to bolster their rotation ahead of next season.
The initial trade reaction brought in mixed opinions, but it seems like more people are scratching their heads rather than praising the move. Understandably so, as he has become known for his playoff blunders over the past few seasons with the Milwaukee Bucks and is coming off one of the least productive seasons of his career.
Like it or hate it, Bledsoe will return to the Clippers next season, where he spent the first three seasons of his career between 2010-13.
As he makes his return, here is an updated look at the potential starting five next season with Bledsoe back with the LA Clippers.
Eric Bledsoe will start at point guard for the LA Clippers next season
Point Guard – Eric Bledsoe
There will not be much controversy here. Following the trade, Bledsoe will operate the starting point guard spot from day one. With Beverley and Rondo both gone, Bledsoe will be the leading man in the point guard rotation with the newly re-signed Reggie Jackson backing him up. Much like Beverley, Bledsoe is a multi-time All-Defensive honoree, so he should be able to replicate the defensive excellence he provided against some of the more talented guards in the league.
Bledsoe is also a better playmaker than Beverley and will look to patch up the hole left behind by Rondo in that regard. The biggest factor will be his consistency on the offensive end, where the guard has struggled mightily in recent years, but a fresh start could do him good. Time will tell if the move was worth what LA gave up, but it has the potential to succeed.