Basketball fans have come up with so many ‘what if’ scenarios they could make a full feature film about the NBA’s multiverse. So, it shouldn’t come as much of a surprise that there are several people who believe that Phoenix Suns unicorn Bol Bol would look a lot like San Antonio Spurs phenom Victor Wembanyama in another world. Even Hall of Fame centers Shaquille O’Neal and Ralph Sampson have gone to bat for the former second-round pick.
Bol and Wembanyama do have plenty in common though, at least in terms of size, skillset, and shot-selection. What appears to separate them is their mentality and personality. Their focus and maturity. At least that’s the narrative.
So, Bol’s willingness to do what’s needed to win –specifically his selflessness and defensive effort –is questioned. Meanwhile, Wembanyama’s efforts –not just desire –to become an all-time great are praised. Without knowing both Bol and Wembanyama intimately, it’s impossible to know exactly where the truth lies. Thus, the only person who might know the truth about what makes them different is Suns superstar Kevin Durant, whom Wembanyama idolizes.
Suns’ Bol Bol Balling, Breaking Into Rotation
Bol may be turning an important corner. After recording season-highs of 19 points, seven rebounds, and four blocks against the Denver Nuggets on Saturday, Suns head coach Mike Budenholzer sounds ready to give the 25-year-old a real rotation role.
“Bol’s certainly been impressive and I think earned (more playing time),” Budenholzer tells reporters (h/t Gerald Bourguet of PHNX Sports). “We have to seriously consider how we can keep in the games and see how he can impact the games.”
Mike Budenholzer said Bol Bol showed he could “do it again” after a great performance last night and may earn more minutes: “Bol’s certainly been impressive and I think earned it. We have to seriously consider how we can keep him in the games and see how he can impact the games” pic.twitter.com/QGZFMKT3s7
— Gerald Bourguet (@GeraldBourguet) February 9, 2025
Notably, in their showdown with the Nuggets, Bol played a season-high 33 minutes. This marked his first time since 2022-23, playing 30+ minutes.
It was also his second straight game playing at least 24 minutes, as Bol recorded 12 points and three blocks against the Utah Jazz on the first night of their back-to-back.
Thus, the South Sudan-born big man has averaged 15.5 points, 5.0 rebounds, and 3.5 blocks in 28.7 minutes per game in his last two contests. In that time, he went 13-25 (52.0 percent) from the field and 5-15 (33.3 percent) from three. Suffice it to say, that’s not bad, especially for a player who only played 10+ minutes in two other games this season. It’s also an extremely small sample size.
Nonetheless, for a Suns team searching for answers, Bol looks like he can be part of the solution.
Second Unit Solution
There simply aren’t many players who are 7-foot-3 but can put the ball on the deck and shoot like a guard, like Bol can.
Because of his versatility, he can play any position at any moment. That’s what an offensive weapon, a mismatch machine, looks like. Yet, he’s still able to dominate in the paint like a traditional big. Largely due to his length and effort, he can easily grab boards, finish putbacks, and provide a shot-blocking presence. That’s not to mention how he’s steadily improved his technique and focus at the defensive end.
With a bench that ranks 20th in points per game (33.8), 22nd in second chance points (4.6), 26th in points in the paint (15.5), and is tied for 19th in opponent’s points in the paint (18.0), there’s actually a clear need for him. With Budenholzer now open to giving Bol an expanded role, the ball is in his court.
© Joe Camporeale-Imagn Images
