The Phoenix Suns’ 2024-25 campaign has been anything but pleasant. This disastrous Suns season has left fans enraged over the team and what the future entails. The utter confusion surrounding every topic makes it hard to understand the right decision for Phoenix. It also questions who is to blame for the utter disgrace the fans have suffered. 2-10 this month alone, and with the highest strength of schedule remaining, it doesn’t seem to get any better for the Suns. In all of this despair, though, there have been some silver linings, one of which is Bol Bol. Bol was buried in the rotation early on, but when it came to last-ditch efforts, the Suns utilized him, which paid off for both parties.
Bol Bol Has Impressed in a Disastrous Suns Season
The Shining Light
With the Suns, Bol has been the bright star this season, even if it took a while to get there. Since they re-signed him in the offseason, it felt odd that he barely played. Many thought the fan favorite could make an impact if he received minutes, yet head coach Mike Budenholzer used him sporadically. With the Suns in panic mode, they finally trusted Bol and he impressed. In his first big showing vs. the Utah Jazz, Bol showed he could be a hidden gem for this team. He scored 12 points alongside three blocks and rebounds. With this being said, could the Suns’ season turn around?
Sadly, that would not change the course for the team, but for Bol, it would change with his development in the system. With that showing, Bol got himself into the starting lineup. Since then, the Suns have looked better as a team. Bol adds the size they lack, with only one big man in Nick Richards. Bol is another force to grab rebounds in the starting lineup. He also adds more size to a lineup that is lacking defense. Slotting Kevin Durant to the small forward gives them a better defensive chance with the size and length. Unfortunately, losses keep coming for the team, regardless of the lineup changes.
At least Bol finally gets to play basketball. He recently had his best performance while facing the Grizzlies Wednesday night. Bol had 23 points on almost 73% shooting from the field. Pair that alongside two blocks and eight rebounds, and you could say Bol had his best performance of his career.
Bol Bol against the Grizzlies after getting the starting nod from Mike Budenholzer:
23 PTS
8 REB
2 BLK
8-11 FG
2-4 3PTGreat game 🔥 pic.twitter.com/SXZaiL36c2
— Erik Ruby (@ErikRuby) February 26, 2025
The Last Word
Having Bol Bol step up for the Suns has helped him grow as a player. For someone who was viewed as a trade piece going from team to team, he has finally found a home. Now for the Suns, it could get worrisome since he is on a one-year deal, but they have his bird rights. This allows the team to sign him regardless of going over the salary cap. Thus, the Suns have an easier way to retain Bol if he wants to stay and grow in Phoenix. With the Suns having a little over a month of regular season basketball left, Bol’s evaluation will continue. If he can showcase his talents like he’s doing now, I’d expect them to keep him long term.
© Petre Thomas-Imagn Images
