Should The Pistons Trade For Eric Bledsoe?

Apr 27, 2013; Memphis, TN, USA; Los Angeles Clippers point guard Eric Bledsoe (12) brings the ball up court during game four of the first round of the 2013 NBA playoffs against the Memphis Grizzlies at the FedEx Forum. Memphis won 104-83. Mandatory Credit: Spruce Derden-USA TODAY Sports

The Detroit Pistons now seem set on drafting a guard with the 8th pick in the NBA Draft.  There is no guarantee with any draft pick. Even the most highly projected pick can get injured of fail to live up to expectations.

This is the third straight year the Detroit Pistons will be drafting in the lottery.  With his job on the line, Joe Dumars needs to start winning now. So why not consider bringing in a known commodity. Eric Bledsoe has been coming of the Clippers bench in relief of Chris Paul.  He has been so productive in that role a number of teams have been considering him for a starting role. Maybe the Pistons should.

The team that has been most linked to Eric Bledsoe trade rumors has been the Orlando Magic.  The Orlando Magic have reportedly offered swing man Aaron Affalo, in exchange for Eric Bledsoe and the expiring contract of Caron Butler .  The Clippers have gone cold on the offer in hopes of landing something better.

The Detroit Pistons have something better….

….a first round pick.

Instead of drafting a point guard in hopes of developing him into a productive NBA player, maybe the Pistons should consider bringing in a player with a proven track record to take over the point. Bledsoe played 76 games and averaged over 20 minutes for the L.A. Clippers in 2013. In that time he averaged 8.5 point per game and 3.1 assists.  His 36 minute projection is 14.9 PPG and 5.4 assists and considering he has not been given an opportunity to start on a regular basis, his numbers could go up with that extra motivation.

Bledsoe Gives Dumars Options

Bledsoe projects to be the most sought after free agent in the 2014 off-season.  If the Pistons were to trade for him now they have a number of options.

• They could wait and see if he rises to the occasion.
• Bledsoe’s cap hit is manageable at just over 2.6 million.
• They could sign him to and extension now.
• Or cut bait at the end of the 2014 season.
• Gives Dumars and insurance policy if Knight does work out in Detroit.

Trading the 1 st round pick for Eric Bledsoe has its risks, but they are low. Probably lower than drafting #8 in this years draft. This years draft is full of young projects and injury prone seniors.  The Pistons have their hands full with development projects.  If they can acquire Beldsoe via trade they get a proven vet to fill out the backcourt. They can concentrate on acquiring a small forward to add some offense.

The Clippers Want To Trade Up

It is said the Clippers like developing players in the draft.  At #8 there are a number a development projects available. The Clippers are targeting shooting guard  Rickey Ledo whose draft stock has been all over the board.  The Clippers may be willing to trade up to acquire Ledo or one of the other guard prospects in the draft.

Season Of Urgency

Joe Dumars needs to start winning now. Not an NBA championship but he needs to make the play-offs to keep his job. Owner Tom Gores has given Dumars full reign again this season and he must produce. It is time for the team to add a talent and a veteran leadership. Eric Bledsoe provides both having just finished his third season in a The Association. Bledsoe is just 23 and entering his prime and he is what the Pistons need to solidify the backcourt.

Year after year of lottery draft picks have gotten Dumars no closer to a rebuilding a championship team.  It is time to do something different. It is time to do something bold.