Who is Bol Bol? Evaluating his career trajectory so far in the NBA
Bol Bol is an Orlando Magic big man who is one of the tallest players in the NBA. Standing at 7-foot-2, the 22-year-old forward has the potential to become one of the best rim protectors and finishers in the league.
He is the son of Manute Bol, the tallest player in NBA history. Manute stood at 7-foot-7 and had a 10-year NBA career in which he averaged 2.6 points, 4.2 rebounds, and 3.3 blocks. Unfortunately, he died from acute kidney failure in 2010 at the age of 47.
This article will reveal everything you need to know about Bol Bol. He's been great so far in the 2022-23 season and could potentially have a breakout year.
Bol Bol moved to the United States as a political refugee
After the conclusion of his NBA career, Manute Bol moved to Sudan, the country he was born in. Unfortunately, his country was entagled in a civil war and he ended up returning to the United States as a political refugee
Manute named his son after his late grandfather, who was apparently 7-foot-10. Bol was only two when he moved to the United States and started playing basketball at the age of four.
As a teenager, Bol Bol was a very good basketball player as he dominated high school competitions. The young player was incredibly talented at scoring, rebounding, and shot blocking, which is why he was a five-star prospect.
The 7-foot-2 center joined the University of Oregon in 2018. In his college debut, Bol Bol had 12 points, 12 rebounds, and three blocks in 23 minutes on the floor.
The basketball star had several great performances for the Oregon Ducks, including the 32-point, 11-rebound game against the Texas Southern Tigers. Unfortunately, he suffered a season-ending injury in December 2018.
In nine games with the Ducks, Bol averaged 21 points, 9.6 rebounds, and 2.7 blocks per game. He was also very efficient, converting 56.1% of his total shots and shooting 52% from beyond the arc.
NBA career
Before entering college, Bol Bol was considered one of the top prospects for the 2019 NBA draft. Unfortunately, his season-ending injury caused him to fall in the standings. He was eventually selected by the Miami Heat with the 44th overall pick.
His draft rights were eventually traded to the Denver Nuggets, where he began his professional career. Bol Bol signed a two-way contract with the Nuggets as he spent some time playing for the Windy City Bulls in the G League as well.
In three seasons with the Nuggets, the 7-foot-2 big man averaged 2.7 points and 1.2 rebounds. He was eventually traded to the Boston Celtics, but did not play a single game for the team.
The Celtics sent Bol Bol to the Orlando Magic in February 2022. Unfortunately, Bol was ruled out for the remainder of the season, but he eventually re-signed with the Magic.
His debut with his new team came on October 19 in the preseason opener against the Detroit Pistons. In 17 minutes on the floor, Bol scored 10 points and grabbed six rebounds.
In three games with the Magic so far, Bol has averaged 7 points, 4.7 rebounds, and 2.3 blocks per game. He's also been careful with his shot selection, shooting 56.3% from the field.