New Orleans Pelicans: 3 players who need to step up vs. Bucks

New Orleans Pelicans: Eric Bledsoe needs to show he is the starter vs. Bucks

Eric Bledsoe

After game one, SVG had nothing but good things to say about Josh Hart. Hart is the type of gritty, versatile defender that Van Gundy loves, so he is going to get big minutes whether his shots are falling or not.

Hart started the first preseason game, though Stan Van Gundy normally plans to use Bledsoe in that role.

Could Bledsoe eventually go to the bench?

If Hart continues to earn Van Gundy’s trust with his defense, then he might end up being the full-time starter while Bledsoe comes off the bench.

Of course, Bledsoe has not even played for the Pels yet, so it is too early to say what, if anything, he needs to do better. He is also a tenacious defender and should fit in well with the starting five.

But Bledsoe could end up being the odd man out if the Pelicans need to make a midseason trade, especially if he starts the season slowly.

Bledsoe is going to be a big part of this team but it has yet to be determined if that role will be off the bench or with the starting five.

He can end that discussion by having a couple of good games, starting with his former team. He will be especially motivated to show that trading Jrue Holiday was not a mistake.