Milwaukee Bucks: Analyzing Eric Bledsoe/Terry Rozier matchup

Defense

It’s on the defensive end where both Eric Bledsoe and Terry Roizer may be more on par with one another, given their physical attributes, athleticism and overall mentality.

Since bursting on the scene with his displays of dazzling recovery blocks and his bulldog-like nature during his days with the Los Angeles Clippers, Bledsoe’s defensive doggedness has toned down a bit since picking up the various knee injuries that have limited him throughout his career.

But as we’ve seen throughout his first year with the Bucks, the 28-year-old can still be a pest when consistently engaged on that end of the floor. The Bucks’ schematic flaws are well known more than just by their fans at this point, but Bledsoe tying for second in the NBA in steals per game goes to show just how often he’s in the right place to snatch up interceptions and jumpstart the team in getting out on the break.

In Rozier’s case, the former Cardinal is no slouch on this end and certainly has the advantage of playing for the best defense in all of the NBA helmed by head coach Brad Stevens.

Possessed with plenty of length, considering he reportedly has a 6’8″ wingspan to go along with his 6’2″ frame, Rozier can be a headache for opposing teams as he shares some of the same qualities Bledsoe has when locked in.

Despite getting edged out in terms of speed and quickness, how bothersome Rozier can be on Bledsoe when matched up on him for possessions at a time will be something to watch, given how he has the prospects of smothering or forcing the Kentucky product into hurried decisions at the point of attack.