Eric Bledsoe had the best all-around season of his career as the outright starting point guard of the Phoenix Suns, but what has troubled him the most is thinking about just how much better it could have been.

The Kentucky product averaged a career-high 21.1 points, 6.3 assists, 4.8 rebounds, and 1.4 steals per game through 66 games, but was ultimately forced to sit out the last 14 games of the season as the organization went all-in on their youth and made sure they had the best shot at a top three pick in the draft.

“The front office made a decision and I had to live with it,” Bledsoe told Scott Bordow of the Arizona Republic. “I wasn't OK with it, and I don't know what basketball player would be. I want to compete. We weren't winning but I still wanted to play with my teammates. But I couldn't do anything about it.”

The 27-year-old is suddenly the senior citizen in a youth-infused organization with the likes of fellow backcourt mate Devin Booker and soon-to-be second-year forward Marquese Chriss in the starting lineup.

Article Continues Below
More Phoenix Suns News
May 14, 2025; Chicago, Il, USA; Jase Richardson talks to the media during the 2025 NBA Draft Combine at Marriott Marquis Chicago.
Orlando Magic’s Jase Richardson headlines 5 biggest steals of 2025 NBA Draft Round 1Rishav Bhat ·
Phoenix Suns general manager Brian Gregory during an introductory press conference at the Verizon 5g Performance Center.
Suns trade up to No. 31 with Timberwolves draft dealAlex House ·
Charlotte Hornets center Mark Williams (5) reacts to an official’s call during the second half against the Chicago Bulls at Spectrum Center.
Mark Williams trade grade for Hornets, Suns dealJerry Donatien ·
Phoenix Suns head coach Jordan Ott (left) poses for a photo with general manager Brian Gregory during an introductory press conference at the Verizon 5G Performance Center. Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images
Suns acquire 36th pick in draft trade with NetsScotty White ·
Phoenix Suns forward Kevin Durant (35) drives with the ball as Houston Rockets forward Dillon Brooks (9) defends during the fourth quarter at Toyota Center.
Bill Simmons rips Phoenix’s draft decisions after Kevin Durant tradeJake Faigus ·
Former Rockets star and current Suns player Dillon Brooks, who filed a restraining order against his ex, Heather Andrews.
Dillon Brooks files restraining order against ex who’s mother of his 2 kidsAndrew Korpan ·

Bledsoe had his healthiest season since his 2014-15 campaign with the Suns, where he played all but one game. The bruising point man played in only 43 and 31 games in 2013-14 and 2015-16 respectively, making the Suns play a rather safe choice at season's end.

After four seasons with the franchise, the Alabama native has settled down and purchased a home in the Phoenix area, where he now lives with his family.

“I love everything about it,” Bledsoe said at a local youth camp, amid facing trade rumors the past few days. “At the same time, I want to win.”

The man known as “mini-LeBron” to some around the league, has been linked to the Cleveland Cavaliers after Kyrie Irving requested a trade, being a potential part of a three-team deal.