NBA News: Phoenix Suns Decides To Shut Guard Eric Bledsoe For Remainder Of Season
The Phoenix Suns have decided to sit point guard Eric Bledsoe, who has been battling with knee soreness, for the final 14 games of the season. Suns General Manager Ryan McDonough said Thursday that the decision to sit Bledsoe was made in order to give the 27-year-old point guard some rest, as well as to give some playing time for the team's younger players, particularly rookie point guard Tyler Ulis.
According to ESPN, Eric Bledsoe sat out the Suns' 107-101 loss to the Sacramento Kings on Wednesday night, in what seems to be due to management decision by Coach Earl Watson. Ulis started in his place as the starting point guard and had 13 points and a career-high 13 assists.
Any coaching staff would absolutely not hold Eric Bledsoe out, but Tyler stepped up his game when he was called upon, Watson said. Additionally, McDonough also knows that the Bledsoe decision will be seen as a sign that the Suns are looking to lose more games with hopes to improve its draft status but said that the young players have been playing well and have been competitive in their expanded roles.
According to NBA, Eric Bledsoe, who has been playing through the pain and soreness in his left knee, only missed just one game this season before ultimately being shut down for good Wednesday. He is currently the team's second-leading scorer at 21.1 points per game, along with averaging 6.3 assists and 4.8 rebounds per game.
Watson had high praises for Eric Bledsoe, saying that he has been great for the Suns, along with having a very solid season. Ha also added that Bledsoe played at a high level every night and has been dominant all year.
He has taken a big leap in the right direction. Though there's a lot of room for him to grow, he's very much ready and he's excited about that, Watson said.
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