Since Phoenix Suns head coach Mike Budenholzer was hired in the offseason, fan-favorite Bol Bol has sat out for the majority of this season so far and hasn’t been given the chance to show off his capabilities consistently.
Thank you for reading this post, don't forget to subscribe!Playing in just six games and averaging only 5.3 minutes per game, Bol has remained ready when needed but hasn’t been selected. Whether it’s the team depth that the Suns have or the opposing matchups fitting other players better stylistically, the 7-foot-3 forward has remained on the bench waiting for another opportunity.
Sitting out in the last two games, he eventually got another chance on Thursday with Kevin Durant, Jusuf Nurkić and Ryan Dunn all injured for the 126-124 loss to the New Orleans Pelicans. Bol checked into the game at the beginning of the second quarter, posting six points and four rebounds in 11 minutes of action.
Providing the Suns with much-needed size without Durant in the lineup, Bol made it difficult for the Pelicans to get past him in the paint with his 7-foot-8 wingspan. Bol was a +8 vs. the Pelicans, which tied Mason Plumlee for second highest on the team behind Tyus Jones (+13). Besides Josh Okogie with a flat zero, the rest of the team had a negative plus/minus.
While the overall result was not what he wanted, Bol appreciated the opportunity to play again and contribute as much as he did.
“Felt pretty good, it’s been a couple games that I haven’t played. Felt good to just be out there and playing basketball again,” Bol said. “I knew I would be playing today with some stuff happening and guys being out. I know it is part of it, and I just got to stay ready and be ready for whenever I am on the floor. I am going to keep playing hard like I did, and just let everything work out itself. Hopefully it leads to more time.”
Video Credit: Duane Rankin, Arizona Republic
"It felt good just to out there playing basketball again."
Bol Bol after six points on 3-of-4 shooting and four rebounds in Suns loss to Pelicans. #Suns pic.twitter.com/UtXNfra4rq
— Duane Rankin (@DuaneRankin) December 6, 2024
Time will tell if this performance and the positive impact he had on the team will lead to more chances to come off the bench. When the Suns are at full strength, Durant will start while Bol, Allen, Okogie, Dunn and Royce O’Neale all compete for minutes. O’Neale and Allen are the two that receive the most bench minutes out of the list of forwards.
Since Durant is out for at least a week and Dunn battling left ankle soreness, Bol has made his case of why he is a trustworthy option, especially with an upcoming back-to-back.
The Suns will travel to Florida to face the Miami Heat on Saturday at 6 p.m. MST before they make a quick trip to Orlando and take on the Magic on Sunday at 4:30 p.m. MST.
Takeaways from Suns suffering 3rd-quarter collapse, falling 126-124 to Pelicans
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Reporter Alec Cipollini covers the Phoenix Mercury, Suns and ASU Athletics for Burn City Sports. You can follow him on his X account, @AlecCipollini
