The Suns are in trouble.
They’re 12-21 and have lost five straight – four to teams with losing records. Jeff Hornacek’s job is in jeopardy, and they’ve already fired two assistants. Markieff Morris appears disgruntled.
And now they’ve lost their best player – Eric Bledsoe – for the season due to injury.
Bledsoe had been struggling before going down against the 76ers. So, it’s not as if the Suns are losing their lone bright spot amid a tough stretch. Bledsoe, potentially due to health, had very much contributed to their problems.
This is Brandon Knight’s show now, as he’ll move from a secondary point guard to the clear lead ball-handler. Knight is capable, but the odds are stacked against him leading Phoenix back into the playoff hunt. He’s a little too prone to sloppy passes and streaky shooting.
T.J. Warren and Devin Booker will also likely get more minutes on the wing without Knight playing shooting guard.
For Bledsoe, this is his second major knee surgery, one on each knee. He played like a star earlier in the season, showing major improvement on his jumper. That could help him if his athleticism has waned upon his return. But Bledsoe puts his athleticism to good use, getting to the rim and defending.
This injury raises major questions about his future – and the Suns’ present.