When you talk about grit and grind in basketball, Eric Bledsoe’s name deserves a spot in that conversation. Nicknamed “Mini-LeBron” early in his career for his strength and explosiveness, Bledsoe was never the flashiest guard, but always one of the most dependable. Selected 18th overall by the Oklahoma City Thunder in the 2010 NBA Draft and traded the same night to the Clippers, Bledsoe quickly earned his stripes by diving for loose balls, locking down guards, and just outworking people. His numbers might not scream superstar, but they tell the story of someone who never backed down.
Through 756 career games, Bledsoe averaged 13.7 points, 4.7 assists, 3.9 rebounds, and 1.4 steals per game. These aren’t just empty stats—they reflect years of being a two-way player, often taking on the toughest backcourt assignment on defense while running the offense on the other end. His best years came with the Phoenix Suns, where he once averaged 21.1 points and 6.3 assists in a season. During those stretches, he wasn’t just a starter; he was the engine.
So what made Bledsoe stand out, especially during his Milwaukee Bucks days? “Eric is just so talented defensively. So gifted. He has a little more rope than probably any player I’ve ever coached. He’s so athletic and strong and fast, he can get to spots from unique positioning.” Then-coach Mike Budenholzer once said. That wasn’t just coach speak. Bledsoe made the NBA All-Defensive First Team in 2019, proving he could lock down elite scorers on any night. His physicality and quick hands made life difficult for opposing guards.
Even when the spotlight shifted to newer stars, Bledsoe stuck to what he did best, hard-nosed basketball. He never chased headlines. He chased wins. And that’s probably why fans and teammates respected him so much. Isn’t it rare to find players who don’t just talk about toughness, but actually live it on the court?
What is Eric Bledsoe’s net worth in 2025?
Ever wonder how a player like Eric Bledsoe made his money in the league? While he wasn’t always in the spotlight, he definitely got paid. From his rookie days to veteran status, Bledsoe built up a strong financial record without needing the glitz of superstardom.
It all started in 2010. As the 18th overall pick, Bledsoe earned just under $1.5 million in his first season with the Clippers. Not bad for a rookie, right? His salary stayed in that range for his first few years, slowly rising to about $1.7 million by 2013. But things changed once he got to Phoenix.
That’s where the big money kicked in, and he finally started earning an eight-figure salary! By the 2014–15 season, he signed a five-year, $70 million deal with the Suns. Suddenly, he was making $13 to $14 million every year. He earned it, too. Bledsoe was putting up strong numbers, defending at a high level, and leading the offense.
But his best earning years came later when he joined the Milwaukee Bucks. He landed another major contract: four years, $70 million. From 2018 to 2021, he made between $15 and $17 million per season. Though he got traded to the Pelicans after the contract ended. Even in New Orleans and then the Clippers, he was still pulling in big checks. In 2021–22, he made over $18 million.
Non-Dame extension news: the Blazers will stretch the remainder of Eric Bledsoe’s contract
— Casey Holdahl (@CHold) July 10, 2022
So what happened next? In 2022, the Portland Trail Blazers waived him, but there was a twist. The Portland Trail Blazers announced that they would stretch the remaining $3.9 million owed to Eric Bledsoe! That decision locked in $1.3 million a year for three more seasons, even though he never played a single game for Portland due to an Achilles issue.
Add it all up, and Bledsoe’s career earnings total over $130 million in base salary alone (Spotrac). Not bad for a guy who made his name on grit, not glamour. Well, according to HoopsHype, “He’s the 444th best-paid NBA player this year.” Doesn’t that make one wonder: how many quiet earners like him are out there, still getting paid?
Eric Bledsoe is thriving overseas and might be playing his best ball yet
What happens when a former NBA star leaves the league? For Eric Bledsoe, the answer is simple: you don’t slow down, you shine somewhere else. Since joining the Shanghai Sharks, Bledsoe has been putting on a show, proving he’s still got plenty left in the tank.
Last season, he averaged 16.8 points and 5.6 assists in just 22 minutes a night. That’s efficient, right? Even more impressive, this is Bledsoe’s first time playing overseas. He could’ve just faded into the background after his NBA run, but instead, he picked up where he left off: being the guy who makes things happen on the court.
And then came February 2025. Bledsoe dropped 31 points in the CBA Club Cup final, helping the Sharks take down the undefeated Xinjiang Flying Tigers. He scored 15 in the third quarter alone, then poured in 16 more in the fourth. When the game was on the line, he delivered. After the win, Bledsoe said, “The coach placed a lot of trust in me during critical moments, and I seized the opportunity to achieve this victory alongside my teammates.”
That performance didn’t come out of nowhere. Back in the NBA, he was known for his gritty defense, clutch plays, and leadership. Remember, he was named to the NBA All-Defensive First Team in 2019. Now, he’s bringing that same energy and mindset to the CBA, and it’s paying off big.
So, is Bledsoe just winding down his career? Doesn’t seem like it. He’s healthy, focused, and still leading teams to championships. Maybe the real question is this: Did the NBA let go too soon, or did Bledsoe just find a better place to keep winning?
Still, not everything is going smoothly. Off the court, things have gotten complicated again. Recent reports suggest legal troubles have resurfaced for Bledsoe, casting a shadow over his current run. He has been booked for some serious charges and held on $50,000 bail. He hasn’t spoken publicly yet, and there’s still a lot unknown. But for now, all eyes are back on Bledsoe, both for what he’s doing on the court and what might happen next.
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