The Phoenix Suns have endured a laundry list of injuries during this latest stretch, losing four out of five games. A bright spot that has emerged from this nightmare is the breakthrough of Suns center Bol Bol. The 25-year-old has played in five of the last six games, with the final two having him play over 24+ minutes. In those two games, Bol Bol averaged 15.5 points, 5.0 rebounds, and 3.5 blocks.
Bol Bol has only played in 16 games this season, averaging 8.8 minutes in those appearances. In the last two seasons, Bol Bol is a novelty end-of-the-bench player, never given serious consideration to crack the rotation. However, the last two games indicate that needs to change.
At 7’3, Bol Bol offers up a unique skill that other NBA teams have run this season: a double-big lineup. Head coach Mike Budenholzer has had Bol Bol share the floor with fellow big man Mason Plumlee and Nick Richards, leading to success. A critique of Bol Bol is his slim frame provides challenges when guarding opposing centers, but when on the floor with Plumlee or Richards, that is not needed.
The double-big lineup can have Bol Bol as a roamer on the opposing offense’s worst offensive player in the weak side corner. In this role, he can sag off his man to provide extra rim protection when an opponent drives to the hoop.
He can be valuable defensively if given the correct scheme, while his offense game is apparent. Bol Bol’s shooting and playmaking at his size are incredible, which he showcased against the Nuggets with this behind-the-back pass to Damion Lee.
Phoenix is 5th in three-point percentage but only 13th in attempts in the NBA. Bol Bol’s ability to stretch the floor can be massive when any of the Suns’ stars are doubled and must pass out to the open man.
The eventual return of Bradley Beal and Kevin Durant signals the return of Bol Bol to the end of the bench. But, if given consistent playing time with those stars, he can illustrate his case about being a permanent piece of the rotation. Bol Bol will likely have another shot to make his case when the Suns take on the Memphis Grizzlies tonight at the Footprint Center.