PHOENIX SUNS

Phoenix Suns’ Eric Bledsoe has ‘more upside’ than risk, GM McDonough says

Oct 24, 2013, 5:20 AM | Updated: 4:43 pm

LISTEN: Ryan McDonough, Suns General Manager

The Phoenix Suns are currently in talks with newly acquired guard Eric Bledsoe on a long-term contract extension. If the two sides can’t reach a deal by the end of the month, the 23-year-old combo guard would become a restricted free agent at the end of the season.

The Suns are in an interesting spot because they’ve only seen the Kentucky product in training camp and a few preseason games, and it’s still uncertain that he will become the star many project him to be.

Nonetheless, general manager Ryan McDonough, while on Arizona Sports 620’s Burns & Gambo show Wednesday, agreed that Bledsoe does figure into the team’s long-term plans. McDonough said contract talks with the fourth-year player have gone “pretty well” to this point.

“If we’re not able to work out a deal (by Oct. 31), we would start next summer with Eric as a restricted free agent, but obviously we’re hoping to get something done before that,” the general manager said.

Despite getting limited playing time for the Los Angeles Clippers behind star point guard Chris Paul, Bledsoe produced when he was given a chance to start and play extended minutes, McDonough said, and those factors will figure into what type of deal the Suns want to offer him.

“With Eric, there’s more projection. Some would say there’s more risk, but I’d also counter that there’s more upside,” McDonough, 33, said. “He does some unique things athletically. I think he’s the best shot-blocking guard in the league. If he plays extended minutes, which he will for us, I think he might lead the league in steals. He has a unique potential.”

Many experts expect Bledsoe to be paired in the backcourt with Goran Dragic this season, both of whom are used to running the point. McDonough said the two haven’t spent much time playing together in the preseason, but that he likes what he’s seen so far. When talking about the pair, the Suns general manager still has to talk more about potential than proven results.

“I think in transition, when those two guys are on the floor, it’ll be be really hard to stop. They’re two of the faster guys in the league with the ball. They’re both aggressive attacking the basket,” the general manager said. “In half court, we’ll see how it works; I think they’ll have to alternate some. I won’t always be Goran at the point or Bledsoe at the point; we’ll probably do that depending on the matchups.

“So far they’ve bought into what we’ve asked them to do.”

Charles Barkley recently said the Bledsoe-Dragic backcourt may not work out well for the Suns, but McDonough said he believes both players will make the “necessary sacrifices” for the betterment of the team.

“I think it will be an adjustment for both of them, because they’ve been used to having the ball. Goran’s had it most of his life; Eric’s played off the ball some — going back to when he was at Kentucky with John Wall,” McDonough said. “It’ll be an adjustment for both guys, but they’re both hard working. They’re both great guys. They’re both team-first guys.”

Phoenix Suns

...

Arizona Sports Video

Video: Is overconfidence the biggest concern with the Suns in their playoff series with the Timberwolves?

Having not lost to the Minnesota Timberwolves all season, Wolf & Luke wonder if the Phoenix Suns might be a little overconfident heading into their first round playoff series with them.

2 hours ago

LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA - APRIL 10: Jusuf Nurkic #20 of the Phoenix Suns talks with Bradley Beal #3...

Kellan Olson

Bradley Beal, Jusuf Nurkic must maintain footing for Suns playoffs series vs. T-Wolves

Bradley Beal and Jusuf Nurkic must step up to help the Phoenix Suns' first-round playoff series against the Timberwolves.

5 hours ago

...

Arizona Sports Video

Video: Bickley Blast: Can Devin Booker and Kevin Durant have a ‘Golden Summer’

Dan Bickley askes if Kevin Durant and Devin Booker can wins a gold medal and an NBA championship in the same summer during his Bickley Blast.

5 hours ago

Victor Wembanyama defends Bradley Beal...

Kevin Zimmerman

James Jones touts Bradley Beal’s balance as Suns’ playoffs begin

Bradley Beal found a groove late in the regular season. James Jones spoke on him settling into his role before the playoffs.

1 day ago

Jontay Porter received a lifetime ban for sports betting...

Arizona Sports

NBA gives Jontay Porter lifetime ban for sports betting

The NBA levied a lifetime ban on Jontay Portay after an investigation found he disclosed confidential information to sports bettors.

1 day ago

Anthony Edwards #5 of the Minnesota Timberwolves handles the ball against Jusuf Nurkic #20 and Kevi...

Kellan Olson

How the Suns shut down Timberwolves star Anthony Edwards so far this season

Minnesota Timberwolves All-Star Anthony Edwards has struggled in all three meetings against the Suns. What could change in the first round?

1 day ago

Phoenix Suns’ Eric Bledsoe has ‘more upside’ than risk, GM McDonough says