As the 2013 draft approacheth, the LA Clippers are apparently weighing options on young phenom Eric Bledsoe. Ramona Shelburne and Marc Stein check it out right here.
Let's look at the possibilities:
1) The long-proposed Orlando Magic- Clippers trade appears to be more or less still on the table and might include a first round pick, Andrew Nicholson, and the key piece, Arron Afflalo (from the Magic) and Bledsoe and Caron Butler (from the Clips). But the rumors are unsteady and why exactly has it been reportedly been scheduled to happen on draft night... if it doesn't (at least at first blush) contain a draft pick... because maybe it does?
2) There were reports that new Clips coach Doc Rivers wants to get a look at Chris Paul/Bledsoe backcourt before any decision is actually made. With Davis' new job and new VP title, the decision is probably his. But does that backcourt make sense in any sort of a real way? Both guys are ballhandlers, both are on the small, and Bledsoe's still not developed any kind of a reliable jumpshot especially from the three-point line. And Bledsoe will be an restricted free agent in the 2014 offseason. If the pairing works out, can the Clips afford to pay Bledsoe the big number that another team might be able to afford?
3) Following that thought, might it be better to coach Bledsoe up for part of next season and make him even more valuable. Arron Afflalo's a nice piece who'd slot in nicely on the Clips, bringing 3pt shooting and good wing defense. What more are the Clips looking for Bled?
4) Clips pass on the Afflalo deal and look for something better. We've all heard noise about guys like Danny Granger and LeMarcus Aldridge (among others). Should the Clips wait on a better offer? If the Clips do give Clips minutes will he blossom into something more than he was last year. We all have 2012 playoff Bledsoe burned into our retina, but did we ever see that guy in 2013?
I know, let's do a poll. I love polls. Actually I hate polls. Nevermind no poll. Okay, poll.