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
Cooper Flagg in a Phoenix Suns jersey, and Devin Booker in a Dallas Mavericks jersey. There are question marks around both players, and there is the NBA Draft logo in the background
Grading ESPN’s Suns-Mavericks trade proposal with Devin Booker, Cooper FlaggHayden Cilley ·
Dallas Mavericks guard Kyrie Irving (11) controls the ball as Phoenix Suns guard Devin Booker (1) defends during the third quarter at American Airlines Center.
NBA rumors: ESPN suggests Suns-Mavericks trade swapping Cooper Flagg pick, Devin BookerPreston Byers ·
image thumbnail
Former top Nets assistant among finalists for Suns head coach positionErik Slater ·
Phoenix Suns owner Mat Ishbia watches a game against the New Orleans Pelicans in the second quarter at Footprint Center.
Suns narrow head coach search to two finalistsBrett Siegel ·
timberwolves, anthony edwards, kevin durant, timberwolves trade
3 trades Minnesota Timberwolves must make to win 2026 NBA title with Anthony EdwardsGarrett Kerman ·
Phoenix Suns forward Kevin Durant (35) gestures to the referee for a foul call against the Toronto Raptors in the second half at Scotiabank Arena.
Suns rumors: Coaching search ‘reinforcing’ Kevin Durant trade plansTroy Finnegan ·

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.