Nov 21, 2023; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; Portland Trail Blazers center Deandre Ayton (2) takes the opening tip against Phoenix Suns center Jusuf Nurkic (20) during the first half at Footprint Center. Mandatory Credit: Joe Camporeale-USA TODAY Sports
Inside The Suns spoke with Orlando Magic beat writer Jeremy Brener about Bol Bol.
Bol Bol, the PF/C for the Phoenix Suns, has added a great deal of interest to an already talented team, many of whom anticipate making it to the NBA Finals the following season.
Bol, an Orlando Magic free agency, provides excellent length for a Suns team without a player with a wingspan less than 6 feet 8 inches, as well as the potential to grow into a terrific player in the future.
In any case, it has been his selling point as a potential client.
We got the chance to talk with Jeremy Brener from The Magic Insider about Bol in order to have a deeper understanding of his character and possible future benefits to the Suns.
1. Bol As a project on Phoenix’s bench, Bol adds a great deal of interest. How would you describe his game to folks who don’t know anything about him?
Brener: Easily one of the most visually striking players ever. His coast-to-coast (Bollercoaster!) moments are all real, but he still has a lot of work to do, particularly in the defensive area.
Other than stopping shots, his defensive contribution is minimal. That’s what prevents him from being a rotational mainstay.
2. What do you believe helped Bol have his finest season in Orlando?
Brener: Well-being and prospects. Bol has had several injuries during his career and was the backup to Nikola Jokic in Denver. He didn’t have that obstacle in Orlando. Due to injuries sustained early in the season by Wendell Carter Jr., Jonathan Isaac, and Paolo Banchero, Bol was able to start.
Season 5-20 for the Magic began. After Bol was benched and other players, namely Cole Anthony and Markelle Fultz, started to recover, Orlando got better.
3. What do you think his ceiling or potential is, and what is preventing him from achieving it?
Brener: His ceiling isn’t set in stone since he’s such a special player. A 7-3 player has the potential to be an All-Star if they can develop into a better spot-up shooter and/or defensive player.
He doesn’t have enough NBA miles and doesn’t have any playing experience in either the NBA or college. That could alter with a little more seasoning. All he needs to do is be more reliable.
4. Was his landing in Phoenix a wise one?
Brener: Bol will pick up a lot of knowledge from Kevin Durant, in my opinion. Their bodies are so similar, and Durant has, for the most part, shown himself to be quite durable throughout his career. Nobody can magically transform into Durant like Bol can. Fans shouldn’t be shocked if Bol’s career ends here after only one year, nor should they anticipate him to become KD-lite.
Many seasoned players who have played in the playoffs were added by the Suns. They are the ones who will complete the playoff rotation. Bol Bol must perform better than several veterans.
Nevertheless, as the player with the greatest upside in Phoenix’s deals, he will get some opportunities.
5. Off the bench, the Suns lost a lot of their flair and vitality. Is Bol that kind of person?
Brener: Bol is a charming man, but he’s not always a gushy guy. Even while he might not have the biggest voice in the locker room, he puts the team first and will be a valuable teammate in that sense, letting the veterans handle the cooking and doing his part as best he can.
