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Milwaukee Bucks: Eric Bledsoe’s absence is making a difference

By Dalton Sell

TORONTO, CANADA - MAY 21: Eric Bledsoe #6 of the Milwaukee Bucks stands for the National Anthem prior to a game against the Toronto Raptors before Game Four of the Eastern Conference Finals of the 2019 NBA Playoffs on May 19, 2019 at the Scotiabank Arena in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2019 NBAE (Photo by Jesse D. Garrabrant/NBAE via Getty Images)
TORONTO, CANADA - MAY 21: Eric Bledsoe #6 of the Milwaukee Bucks stands for the National Anthem prior to a game against the Toronto Raptors before Game Four of the Eastern Conference Finals of the 2019 NBA Playoffs on May 19, 2019 at the Scotiabank Arena in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2019 NBAE (Photo by Jesse D. Garrabrant/NBAE via Getty Images) /
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In the six games that Eric Bledsoe has missed, the Milwaukee Bucks have looked like a considerably different team. With their starting point guard hopefully returning soon, this team will only be getting better.

On December 13 versus the Memphis Grizzlies, starting point guard Eric Bledsoe was diagnosed with a right fibula avulsion fracture after colliding with teammate Wesley Matthews. Having contributed 12 points in 17 minutes, the Milwaukee Bucks would go on to win the game but lose their point guard for an estimated two weeks.

Before his current six-game absence, Bledsoe was averaging a stellar 15.0 points, 4.9 rebounds, and 5.7 assists per game as the team’s third option behind Giannis Antetokounmpo and Khris Middleton. At 6’1″, 214lbs, he also provides a significant defensive presence at the guard position. Losing the 30-year-old was clearly going to be a significant blow as the Bucks were looking dominant at full strength.

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Though the scoring has been the most significant inconsistency of Bledsoe’s play this season, his 15 points per game have been very much sufficient for the Bucks. Still, when he is having an off-night shooting, the guard is looking to get his teammate’s good shots, make the hustle plays, and provide stellar work on the defensive end of the ball. When Bledsoe has a good game offensively, the Bucks are at their most dangerous because it lightens the load off of the shoulders of Antetokounmpo and Middleton.

The aspect of Bledsoe’s play that the Bucks have possibly been missing the most is the assist production. Antetokounmpo leads the team with 176 assists placing Bledsoe second at 147 through 32 games. After these two, there is a significant drop-off, with George Hill standing at 90 assists total. Missing this lack of playmaking has no doubt hurt the Bucks, as it puts more pressure on everyone else.

Yet, the Bucks still have not found a solidified third option in the injury to Bledsoe. There have been good individual performances from George Hill, Wesley Matthews, and Kyle Korver in certain games, but none consistent enough to give them the label of the third option. This inconsistency has hurt Milwaukee because aside from Antetokounmpo and Middleton, the team is unsure of whom to rely upon for more scoring opportunities.

Understandably, the Bucks do look like a different team without him thus far. The injury saw second-year guard Donte DiVincenzo slide back into the starting lineup once again. Although he is having a sensational sophomore season, he has not been able to fill the gap left by Bledsoe.

In that six-game span of starting, DiVincenzo has averaged 8.0 points, 4.1 assists, and 6.0 rebounds per game. The Villanova product has been showcasing his worth with hustle plays and impressive defense but has been struggling with his offensive game, particularly his shooting. Shooting 34.2 percent from the field and 22.5 percent from three-point territory, Donte hasn’t been as effective as Bledsoe.

During his last five games before the injury, Bledsoe had found a consistent rhythm on the offensive end and was playing very efficiently. Shooting 53.1 percent from the field and an astounding 53.3 percent from deep, Bledsoe finally looked like he had found his rhythm on the offensive end.

The Bucks haven’t gone completely downhill in the absence of Bledsoe, however, as they are 4-2 and still possess the league’s best record. With big wins against the Cleveland Cavaliers, Los Angeles Lakers, New York Knicks, and Indiana Pacers, this team is still producing victories without Bledsoe.

However, there are also the two losses, first against the Dallas Mavericks and, most recently and notably, against the Philadelphia 76ers, which could have had different outcomes if the team was at full strength.

Even with the two recent losses, the Bucks are by no means in panic mode, just 32 games into the season and with such an immensely impressive record overall. With 50 games to go before the playoffs, Bledsoe should take as much time as he needs to get healthy before coming back. Milwaukee may not be at their best without their starting guard, but they can give it their best to hold their own.

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If the Milwaukee Bucks hope to have a genuine championship run later this season, though, they are going to need everyone on the roster to be 100 percent healthy and ready to go. When fully healthy, this Milwaukee team has what it needs to reach their goals.

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