The Sacramento Kings should target this rising NBA star
On Tuesday, a young player with lots of potential was waived by the Orlando Magic. After delaying the decision to extend his contract, the Orlando Magic decided to inevitably waive Bol Bol, a 7-foot-2 forward/center.
With a massive 7-foot-8 wingspan, Bol Bol, 23 – who is the son of NBA legend Manute Bol – had an up-and-down year for the Magic. He averaged 9.1 points, 5.8 rebounds, and 1 assist per game. He shot over 54% from the field, but struggled at three, shooting only 26.5%. He also averaged 1.2 blocks per game.
After appearing in 70 games last season, starting 33, Bol was beginning to find his rhythm in the NBA after his first season with the Magic. In previous years, he was unable to find his footing, largely because of injuries that kept him sidelined.
Bol’s first three years were spent with the recently-crowned NBA champion Denver Nuggets, who were consistently at the top of the Western Conference during that time. While it’s great to be on a team that high caliber, it also means that the focus was on that team competing for a title, and not on the development of young players like Bol Bol.
There is lots of speculation around Bol Bol in the NBA. Many NBA fans love Bol Bol, whether it is just because he seems like a loveable player or because they see his potential, and many believe he is a bust and is not worth taking a look at. Despite what anyone thinks, Bol Bol has plenty of untapped potential waiting to come out, and could easily thrive as a player in the right environment with the right coaches.
What Bol Bol has to offer no matter what
This past year saw highs and lows, and while there is still a lot to learn for a young Bol, he already has one thing going for him – his height.
Draymond Green recently made a fantastic point in an episode of Paul George’s podcast, Podcast P, about number-one pick Victor Wembanyama:
"“Separate from anything else that he could do – him as a rim protector. That, I think, is what most people aren’t talking about. I actually think that’s what separates him …. [If all else fails] him as a rim protector is as elite as we have in the NBA.”"
While Green is talking about Wembanyama, the same applies to Bol Bol. He has proven that he can protect the rim if all else fails, largely due to his size.
Where can Bol Bol fit into the Kings’ rotation?
While there are many obstacles to go through in order to secure Bol Bol’s signing, the Kings absolutely should take a look at him. The Kings’ defense struggled last season, ranking 24th in defensive efficiency. With a rim protector in Bol, he could dramatically increase the defensive presence of the Kings as a backup power forward or center.
There would be competition of course due to the Kings’ recent re-signing of Alex Len and Trey Lyles, as well as the acquisition of EuroLeague MVP Sasha Vezenkov, but the Kings still are in need of players at the center position.
His role offensively will grow with the right coaching, and if paired with head coach Mike Brown, it can be expected that we see new horizons from Bol Bol. He would be a cheap option that the Kings can use with their remaining cap space to make a run for the championship next year.
If I’m Monte McNair, I’m picking up the phone to make calls about Bol Bol.
