Detroit Pistons Should Go After Eric Bledsoe


Spruce Derden-USA TODAY Sports

The Detroit Pistons reportedly have decided to be in the Eric Bledsoe sweepstakes.

If the Pistons could land Bledsoe, a third-year NBA veteran, and show the door to Will Bynum and Jose Calderon, that definitely shows a solid commitment to youth.

Bledsoe has enough experience in the league that he isn’t exactly considered a kid anymore. He becomes an unrestricted free agent after next season, and several teams are looking to make a move with the Los Angeles Clippers, who may want to use some players in case they eventually lose Bledsoe.

The Pistons realize they have to secure as many talented players as possible. They also have to avoid another fiasco as the one four years ago when they decided to get Ben Gordon away from the Chicago Bulls. Gordon has not been the same player since that move was made.

But Bledsoe has been excellent in a backup role to Chris Paul. He needs to be careful, as does the team that might acquire him, to make sure he’s making the right move. Regardless of how much talent a player has, being traded to another team doesn’t necessarily guarantee he’ll continue to excel. Being in the wrong environment can take a great player and turn him into a mediocre one. It’s happened before, and it can happen again.

There are no guarantees with Bledsoe, either. In 76 games last season, he averaged 8.5 points and 3.1 assists per contest. But in the playoffs, he was only at 6.5 points and 3.9 assists per game.

But once Bledsoe gets his chance to start full-time, he should prove to be an exciting player. He needs a chance to start which is why the Clippers should look to make a deal.

Check out Rant Sports Coverage of the 2013 NBA Draft! See who your team picked and why they will fit or bust!



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