Milwaukee Bucks 2017-18 Season Review: Eric Bledsoe

The worst of Bledsoe

At a time when Drew Bledsoe is taking to the podium after Celtics games and Terry Rozier has a new t-shirt to sell every day, I’m not sure how much I really need to elaborate on this.

There were plenty of negatives for Bledsoe throughout the season, but nothing was quite as damaging as what he showed in the playoffs. In getting into an unnecessary and petty squabble with Rozier, Bledsoe took his eye off the ball and his focus away from where it should have been in his first trip to the postseason since 2013.

The playoff battle with the Rozier and the Celtics became all about him. Rather than simply trying to score, at times it seemed like Bledsoe was trying to score on Rozier specifically. Rozier got into his head, but just as notably, Bledsoe got into his own head and in his own way.

That’s a common theme when we take a look at some of the other issues Bledsoe experienced throughout the season too.

At his most frustrating, Bledsoe settles for tough jump-shots and is guilty of sloppy turnovers, without anyone else forcing him into those situations.

Bledsoe had spells of really efficient shooting throughout the season, but considering the ease with which he can get to the basket and finish, it often felt like he was pushing himself beyond the necessary limits when he leaned into mid-range or three-point looks.

Much of the appeal of acquiring Bledsoe came from fantasizing over what he could do in transition alongside Giannis Antetokounmpo. In actuality, Bledsoe was a different kind of nightmare in transition, frequently making poor decisions and coughing the ball up. Transition turnovers for Bledsoe were a regular and unwelcome sight in Bucks games.

Perhaps that can be attributed to him still working on building an understanding with teammates, or it could just be further evidence of him trying to do too much.