The Phoenix Suns are looking to fortify their roster and could potentially add a promising piece to their already depth-heavy puzzle. Reports suggest that the Suns are giving serious thought to signing the 7-foot-2 centre, Bol Bol, once he clears waivers. This news comes from the reliable insider, John Gambadoro, of Arizona Sports 98.7 FM.
Bol Bol, the son of the NBA legend Manute Bol, has been a captivating prospect since his high school days. Despite facing injuries during his freshman year at Oregon, Miami selected him as the 44th overall pick in the 2019 NBA Draft. However, his stint with the Denver Nuggets was somewhat uneventful, with limited playing time in just 53 games over three seasons.
Nevertheless, Bol’s fortunes seemed to take a turn for the better during his sole season with the Orlando Magic. In 70 games, 33 of which he started, Bol showcased his potential, averaging 9.1 points, 5.8 rebounds, 1.0 assist, 1.2 blocks, and 0.4 steals per game, shooting at an impressive 55% from the field, 27% from beyond the arc, and 76% from the free-throw line in an average of 21.5 minutes per game.
If Bol joins the Suns, he will find himself learning from the seasoned shooter, Kevin Durant, who can offer invaluable mentorship to improve his shooting skills. Bol’s three-point shooting currently stands at 29.3%, but his conversion rate for two-point attempts is an encouraging 61.5%.
The young centre could also establish himself as a reliable rim-protector, bolstering the Suns’ bench strength behind Deandre Ayton. However, Bol will face competition for minutes from recently-signed centre Drew Eubanks and Chimezie Metu. With improved shooting, Bol could even be utilized as a power forward in certain lineups.
While Bol Bol brings significant potential, there are understandable question marks surrounding his readiness for a championship-seeking team like the Suns. As they strive for success, adding a raw talent to the roster comes with inherent risks.
John Gambadoro’s track record in predicting off-season moves gives credence to the potential of this signing. His accurate foresight in the signings of Keita Bates-Diop and Yuta Watanabe, as well as the Suns retaining Deandre Ayton and their coaching staff appointments, enhances the credibility of his latest report.
Considering the Suns’ roster is already filled with 16 players on standard contracts, Bol Bol would have to compete during training camp for one of the 15 available roster spots if he signs a standard contract. However, there’s an alternative option of a two-way contract that might be more suitable for Bol. This arrangement provides the flexibility to convert to a standard contract later if he proves himself, albeit at the cost of potentially waiving another player.
The Phoenix Suns’ interest in Bol Bol represents an exciting possibility for both the team and the player. As fans eagerly await the team’s decision, the potential addition of this lengthy centre could provide the Suns with valuable depth and an opportunity for Bol Bol to showcase his burgeoning talent in the NBA.