One of the Suns’ newest members, Bol Bol, is putting in work this offseason with training camp just around the corner.
Thank you for reading this post, don't forget to subscribe!Bol Bol breakout season? 👀 pic.twitter.com/bx15RyProp
— NBACentral (@TheDunkCentral) September 19, 2023
In the video above, you can see Bol’s potential. The 7-foot-2, 220-pound forward/center showed off his touch around the rim, shot-blocking skills and the ability to step out and knock down three pointers.
Could the 23-year-old actually end up having a breakout year on the Suns?Â
Just how Bol fits on this team is one of the Suns’ biggest questions heading into the upcoming season. His potential has always been there, and there were a lot glimpses last season of what kind of player he could be.
After an injury-riddled freshman season at Oregon, Bol was selected by Miami with the 44th overall pick in the 2019 NBA Draft. He played his first three seasons with Denver, only appearing in 53 games total and averaging under 10 minutes per game in his time with the Nuggets.
He then vastly improved last season with the Magic.
Bol’s 2022-23 season stats: 9.1 PPG | 5.8 RPG | 1.0 APG | 1.2 BPG | 0.4 SPG | 1.6 TOV on 54.6/26.5/75.9 splits in 21.5 MPG (70 games, 33 starts)
See over 17 minutes of some of his most “freakish” plays with the Magic last season below.
However, Bol still had some questionable moments and his biggest problem last year was his shooting.
Bol lowlights. For those that only watched the fun highlights, here’s a small sample of why he was waived 🎢 #bol #bolbol #bolworld pic.twitter.com/zti0gMmR9L
— Popcorn (@SlamDunkSesame) July 5, 2023
The son of 7-foot-6 NBA legend Manute Bol now has a lengthy shooter in Kevin Durant to mentor him. One of Bol’s biggest struggles has been his shooting, an area the 6-foot-10 Durant has mastered. Bol has only shot 29.3% for three-point range in his career, but has converted on 61.5% of his two-point attempts.
Bol could also develop into a nice rim-protector off the bench behind Ayton. He could have the chance to play his way ahead of Drew Eubanks. However, he also has to compete for minutes with Chimezie Metu. If Bol’s shooting improves, the Suns could play him at the four as well. If everything goes right, he could have a chance at being the Suns’ fifth starter.
The center has already been seen working out with the Suns stars this offseason. Phoenix seems like an ideal place for Bol to develop and take his game to the next level because of the star power around him.
Every time he steps on the court, Bol will have eyes on him because of his unique build and skillset. Can it all materialize on a team trying to win a championship?
Booker, Durant, Beal, Ayton, and Bol Bol Getting Workout in at UCLA
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Brendan Mau is a Phoenix Suns insider and college sports reporter for Burn City Sports. You can follow him on X via @Brendan_Mau
