There’s a new Eric Bledsoe in town.
Tired of the status quo, the typically-reserved Suns guard has shed his shell and emerged as a man eager to lead. Circumstances inspired that evolution, and Bledsoe has more than answered the call.
Paola Bolvin of the Arizona Republic penned a column on Wednesday detailing Bledsoe’s reinvention since suffering a season-ending knee injury last December.
At 26, Bledsoe is still young by most standards, but on a Phoenix roster that features eight players 23 years old or younger, he’s essentially a grizzled veteran. The result of Bledsoe’s evolution has not only given Phoenix a matured and motivated star talent, but also someone for its youth to emulate.
You’ve probably already seen examples of Bledsoe’s work this offseason on social media, but Bolvin’s piece is loaded with details behind the tweets.
Bledsoe first mentioned his desire to shake things up at the conclusion of the 2015-16 campaign.
“As soon as the season ended, Eric said, ‘I’m frustrated with how the year went, I’m frustrated I got injured, what do you guys need me to do? What can I do to help?’" Suns General Manager Ryan McDonough said. “He’s been unbelievable. Not just good but unbelievable since the season ended, in terms of organizing our group and coming down to Phoenix and working out.”
Suns Return for Offseason Training
Bledsoe has replaced staying up late and playing video games with healthier eating habits and proper rest. He’s also been a constant presence in the community. Just last week, the guard attended the Suns’ annual youth basketball camp at Thunderbird High School in Phoenix.
“I was that little rug rat,” he said. “But I never had the luxury of meeting an NBA player growing up and I can only imagine how I would have felt if I had met someone I looked up to or had played in the NBA.”
The latest illustration of Bledsoe’s renewed commitment came earlier this week when he flew several teammates, including the Suns’ three 2016 draft picks, to San Diego for a three-day voluntary minicamp of sorts.
Funding the trip out of his own pocket, Bledsoe led the group in beach workouts, pickup games and other activities like paintball to help build team chemistry.
“The way the collective bargaining rules work, we’re limited to what we can pay for in the offseason,” McDonough said. “So Eric stepped up and said, ‘Hey, for the young guys, the guys who haven’t made a lot of money, I’ll foot the bill, I’ll pay for those guys to come. That’s how important it is for me to lead this team.’”
Added Bledsoe: “You‘ve got to be committed to the process of where you want to be. I’m dedicated to putting the work in.”