Will Eric Bledsoe become the Clippers' James Harden?

12:37 PM ET 11.01 | It's no secret in Clipperland that Eric Bledsoe is showing the beginning signs of a player "coming into his own." It started last year with his tenacious play during the Clippers' grueling first-round matchup with the Memphis Grizzlies and furthered during their short, four-game series against the San Antonio Spurs. What caught the attention of anybody who watched those games was his pestering defense and the subsequent high energy style of play that he brought with him. His offensive game, though unrefined, helped galvanize the Clippers at times because of his innate ability to get to the rim. He epitomized what a bench player should bring to a team: boundless energy and a contagious effort level. All of this at the age of 22? There's no way that Clippers fans weren't going to be excited about watching the progression of this kid. That's why after being in attendance for tonight's opener against the Memphis Grizzlies, I truly feel like the Clippers may have a, dare I say it, James Harden-esque scenario on their hands a few years down the road. By "James Harden-esque scenario" I don't mean to compare the two basketball-wise because they are completely different players. But in terms of how valuable James Harden grew to be for the Oklahoma City Thunder... I definitely see Bledsoe being on a similar path of how important his play is to the team's success.

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