Despite the fact that he’s dealing with some knee soreness, Suns point guard Eric Bledsoe didn’t seem thrilled with the team’s decision to shut him down for the season, a call that was made by management earlier this week. Speaking to Doug Haller of AZCentral Sports, general manager Ryan McDonough explained that there was little upside to continuing to lean on Bledsoe down the stretch with the Suns essentially eliminated from playoff contention.
“We’re not mathematically eliminated from the playoffs yet, but we’re getting close to that point and we have enough young players that we wanted to get them enough opportunity to play and also save some wear and tear on Eric as best we can,” the Suns’ GM said. “We do a lot of the sports science measurements and looking at those readings, Eric has some of the higher load numbers in the league. … We just didn’t want him to get worn down during a season where we’re not going to end up in the playoffs.”
Here’s more out of Phoenix:
- Within Haller’s piece linked above, McDonough also addressed Brandon Knight‘s decision not to play in the Suns’ game on Wednesday night, after telling the team he was battling back spasms. “He said before the game that his back was tightening up and he was feeling some pain,” McDonough said. “He wasn’t able to move as well as he would’ve hoped, so if he says he feels that way, we have to take his word for it.” At least one local analyst this week expressed skepticism that Knight’s injury was legit.
- Marquese Chriss probably isn’t a viable candidate for the NBA’s Rookie of the Year award, but 2016’s eighth overall pick has shown signs of improvement over the course of his first professional season, in the view of Suns head coach Earl Watson. Kent Somers of The Arizona Republic has the quotes from Watson.
- With the Suns headed for another high lottery pick this year, Dennis Chambers of Basketball Insiders takes a closer look at what steps Phoenix can take to move forward in the coming months.
Trade knight. First step. Ullis is a suitable back up to Bledsoe. And find a Wing player next to Booker.
Bledsoe-Ullis-Booker-Chriss-Bender-Jones-Len-Warren-Williams
Solid foundation of young dudes. Need a true scoring option next to Booker on the wing tho. Josh Jackson, Jon Issac, Jayson Tatum, Luke Kennard should b available around there pick. Dudley is a good vet but would b better off the bench for a rebuilding team
The last game was the most enjoyable of the season for me. I didn’t have to watch Bledsoe pound the ball into the floor for 20 seconds and then either force a pass where it shouldn’t go, take a wild off-balance shot, or dribble the ball off his foot.
and fall down to the floor while doing all three.