carey wrote:1UPZ wrote:Bledsoe is overall a better player than Dragic, especially when healthy. That article piece saying he is a second fiddle to Dragic would irk him more. I seriously believe Bledsoe without Dragic would put up 20/7/5/2 himself with elite defense. I'm actually not bothered when Suns play teams with elite PGs when Bledsoe is there... Can't say the same with Dragic. Dragic is more exciting to watch no doubt especially his transition scoring, but Bledsoe bothers other star PGs.
Wait. Seriously? I'll give you the nod on defense, but w/ that jumper you think he's better than Dragic?
Yes.
When you have Bledsoe, he makes the other PG less efficient, gets them more frustrated.
He is on the same level as Rondo defensively, when on form, IMO.
Dragic is a lot better to watch offensively, but OVERALL... as in both sides, Bledsoe is a star-stopper.
Before the injuries... when both Bledsoe and Dragic was playing, Bledsoe's stats were slightly better and his impact was tremendous.
We havent seen Bledsoe WITHOUT Dragic, but I'm confident his stats will go up too... less efficient, but his defense is so reliable... so much more than Dragic.
Like I said, going up against the Lilards, Currys, Westbrooks etc, I'm 100% confident the matchup will even out even if these guys are playing well.
Dragic isnt "bad" defensively, but he wont be able to contain a hot Lilard, Curry, Westbrook etc.
I watched so many games last season just paying attention to Bledsoe's defense and he really does slow the other PGs down considerably. Forces them to take tough shots etc. Sure, they'll hit some of them.. they are NBA stars afterall, but Bledsoe makes them work and spend energy trying to get their shots up. So valuable in a close game.
Dragic offense maybe better than Bledsoe, but as I said... Bledsoe isnt that far behind, he can put up 20 a night.
But his defense is 150% that of Dragic.... hence my judgement of him being better OVERALL.