Eric Bledsoe becoming a cult hero in the NBA
Remember this?
To many, Eric Bledsoe will always be the second best point guard on Kentucky’s 2009-2010 team. Overshadowed by the great and flashy John Wall, Bledsoe mostly flew under the radar until he reached the NBA. Now, in his third year, Bledsoe is turning heads with his skill and athleticism, and according to ESPN’s Kevin Arnovitz, becoming somewhat of a cult hero in the league:
The full effect of Bledsoe can be experienced only when the clock’s running, because Bledsoe is fueled by live basketball — the super-animated stuff we see in the NBA. Most players expend energy when they’re asked to chase people around and sprint the floor and collide with enormous bodies and leap every five seconds for one reason or another and occasionally land awkwardly on thick wood or men holding large cameras, but not Bledsoe. He actually gets stronger, faster and more lethal as he chews up the court at warp speed.
As a result of this peculiar immunity, Bledsoe has become the NBA’s newest cult hero, the kind of player who causes viewers to talk at their LCDs and to insist that non-fans in the house come into the room to witness this pure testimony to basketball.
Part of Bledsoe’s mystique is that he’s only averaging 18.6 minutes per game due to a crowded Clippers backcourt. But, when he’s in, he makes the most of every second, which has fans clamoring for more. With the team moving smoothly with Bledsoe coming off the bench, his playing time probably won’t increase any time soon. Until then, the legend of Bledsoe will continue to grow.
[ESPN: The cult of Eric Bledsoe]
14 Comments for Eric Bledsoe becoming a cult hero in the NBA
E.B. Always gets s$&@ right. Loved his block on douche bag Wade.
loved this guy when he was here and still love watching him play now.
One of the greatest undervalued plays in UK history was when Wall tried to give him an alleyoop that was tipped on the way but he was able to recover and still get it in the basket.
I have gone to two of his games this year and he has improved exponentially. He is a warrior. I think if all four of Calipari’s UK classes were still in school Eric would continue to start. None of the other kids could combat his ferocity practice after practice.
1. I have been sold on Bledsoe since that same press conference when he picked the cats. He’s an absolute beast and will get a huge deal soon.
Wish we would have had him several years ago against Marquette when we couldn’t stop Wade for anything!
Kid is solid but Chris Paul is Chris Paul, it’s already stated if Paul resigns he’s moved for a hefty sum or if Paul moves on he’s re-upped for a big deal. Good for him, thought he was more steady that whole season he was here than Wall and is doing so now in the pros with Wall not playing and gloating all the time on a 10 win team. Funny guy on espn said he’s the best shot blocking point in the nba, what is he 5’9″?
He’s ranked #10 in the NBA in PER this year.
Davis is #3.
Bledsoe’s youtube mix. It’s damn good
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GeETLod-Dk4
This totally made my day.
@GoCats2 I totally agree.
This kid took full advantage of the one and done rule. He was a late bloomer in high school. I’m not sure where he ended up on Rivals final rankings but I know he wasn’t a 5 star when he signed I think he was a 4 at that time. But this kid work his self into a high draft pick made the right choice after 1 year and turned it into millions for him and his very poor family. For all those who think these kids should be forced to stay 3 years. You need look no farther then Bledsoe to know better.
I’m glad that guy was on our team.
Eric would be starting on most NBA teams, but I think 7 has it right. Eric is actually performing better than CP, but the Clippers have too much invested in Chris Paul to play Bledsoe ahead of him. If CP signs a new deal, then the Clippers will likely trade Eric and get a lot for him. The guy has really blossomed and made a name for himself. He’s going to really get paid on his next contract. Great for him and his family.