LA Clippers: 3 players most affected by Eric Bledsoe trade
By Evan Desai
When the LA Clippers unloaded Patrick Beverley, Rajon Rondo, and Daniel Oturu for Eric Bledsoe, we immediately thought about the impact of losing Pat Bev.
It’s understandable, as Beverley was a major influencer of Clipper culture, and was highly respected throughout the locker room. A lot of fans loved Beverley, and Beverley loved to be a Clipper.
What’s on my mind right now, though, is actually the players on this team that weren’t traded. This trade is going to impact many players on this team, and some more than others. The three most affected players are clear.
No. 3 LA Clipper most affected by Eric Bledsoe trade: Keon Johnson
When the LA Clippers drafted Keon Johnson, it looked like he could end up getting a lot of playing time with Kawhi Leonard out for a while.
Johnson was going to be a project, but one that’s easy to be optimistic about. He still will be, but it looks like adding another guard into the fold could potentially cut into Johnson’s playing time. Remember, Bledsoe can play as a two-guard, and did a lot this past year for New Orleans.
Perhaps, however, Johnson can learn from Bledsoe. I know Bledsoe wasn’t very good this year, but he’s been a good player before, and a very good player before too.
A multiple-time All-Defensive selection, that strength of Bledsoe’s is a strength of Johnson’s as well. Bledsoe will be able to teach Johnson some defense, and he can help Johnson improve his scoring arsenal.
Bledsoe’s percentages may not always be the most impressive, but he possesses many skills on offense. They don’t call him ‘Mini LeBron’ for no reason.