Should the Sixers Take A Run At Phoenix's Eric Bledsoe?
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The Philadelphia 76ers have a glut of big men, and need help in the back-court. The Phoenix Suns have a glut of back-court options, but have a need for big men. It sounds like a match made in heaven, and it very well may be.
After drafting Ben Simmons back on June 23, the Sixers added yet another big man, to an already impressive collection that includes Nerlens Noel, Jahlil Okafor, Joel Embiid, and Dario Saric. Not long after the drafting of Simmons, the Sixers got even more good news, as Croatian forward Dario Saric indicated to a Turkish newspaper, that he's going to make his long-awaited debut next season. On paper this is great, the process is finally paying off! Well, it's definitely progressing in the right direction, although, it can only go so far when your team is built around bigs. The problem is that we can't roll out a starting lineup of five bigs. At least, not if we want to win. The Sixers need to use their position of strength, to improve on a position of weakness.
Enter the Phoenix Suns.
The Suns are a team, that is in a similar situation to the Sixers, except it's the complete opposite. Phoenix is a team that is loaded with guards, but have their struggles in the front-court. Phoenix boasts the trio of Brandon Knight, Devin Booker, and Eric Bledsoe. They also drafted Kentucky sensation Tyler Ullis in June's draft. This now gives the Suns four explosive guards, all of which are starting caliber in the NBA. In June's draft, the Suns also added a pair of bigs in Marqeesse Chirss and Dragan Bender, yet still possess a need in the front-court.
Enter the Philadelphia 76ers.
Both teams clearly have needs, and they can facilitate a deal that benefits both squads. Which leads me to....
MOCK TRADE: Philadelphia Trades Jahlil Okafor to Phoenix for Eric Bledsoe
It's a simple one-for-one trade, as there's really no need to complicate things here, by including picks. It's a win-win for both teams, as they each fill a need.
For their part of the deal, the Sixers will finally solve their long-term point guard situation. Bledsoe, 26, is still young enough to fit into the organization's youth movement, while being able to provide some veteran experience in the locker room. The former Kentucky Wildcat was drafted by Oklahoma City in 2010, but was later moved to the Los Angeles Clippers. He spent three seasons in L.A, before being dealt to Phoenix. It wasn't until he arrived in Phoenix, that he broke out. In three seasons with the Suns, Bledsoe has averaged 17.9 points per game, 5.9 assists per game, and 4.8 rebounds per game. The key to Bledsoe's game, as exemplified by his stat line, is his scoring ability. In his tenure with Phoenix, the 26-year old has put up no less than 17 points per game, in a single season. He's also got solid ball-handling skills, which are vital in a good point guard. There are a couple of concerns surrounding him, though. For one, Bledsoe has been prone to injuries, lately. In 2013, Bledsoe missed nearly three months of action, with what started as a shin injury, but later became a meniscus injury. This past season, Bledsoe once again suffered a meniscus injury, this time missing the entire season due to a torn meniscus. Despite Bledose's injury history, he remains one of the top young point guards in today's NBA. His great combination of explosiveness, good ball-handling skills, and a knack for scoring, make him a very attractive option.
Phoenix, meanwhile, would be solidifying their front-court with the acquisition of Okafor. The Suns added to their front-court, by drafting Dragan Bender, Marqeesse Chriss, and Skal Labisserre back in June's draft. Although, there are major questions surrounding each prospect. There's a possibility, that Bender stays overseas, and doesn't join the Suns next season. It's clear that the Croatian big man is their future, but that future may have to wait. Chriss' overall potential has been questioned. He skyrocketed up the draft boards in June, and ended up going 8th overall. Scouts believe that he has a very high ceiling, but also the possibility to be a major bust. Finally, I come to Labissierre. There are major questions surrounding his love for the game of basketball. Back in October, this kid was a consensus top-5 selection, but a slow-start pushed him down to the end of the 1st round. It also doesn't help that scouts are questioning, whether or not his heart is in it. For all of those reasons, it'd be in the Suns best interest to pursue Okafor. Aside from Tyson Chandler (who's 33), and Alex Len (who's had knee problems), there are major questions up front. Okafor would bring a young, but established presence to the team. Pairing his offensive skill, with Chandler's defensive prowess, would be a dream for Suns fans. It would also give them another solid young big to build around. I mean, could you imagine Phoenix's starting five in two, maybe three years? Brandon Knight, Devin Booker, T.J. Warren, Jahlil Okafor, and Dragan Bender. I don't know about you guys, but that has the makings of a scary starting lineup, with serious playoff potential.
As you can see, the deal makes sense for both sides. The Sixers need a man to run the point, while the Suns need a skilled big. What better way to satisfy both needs, than with a good 'ol one-for-one trade? Will it happen? That much is unclear at this point, but the summer is still young.
What say you, Sixers faithful?
