The NBA is used to living under the tyranny of the ‘hype’, that gigantic expectation that arises towards some of its star players, especially the new ones.
There are some justified ones, such as Victor Wembanyama or in the past LeBron James, but most of them fall under their own weight.
The latest is Bol Bol, the giant son of the nineties myth Manute Bol, a physical character almost unmatched, but with no influence in the Phoenix Suns of Kevin Durant, Devin Booker and Bradley Beal.
Bol was a signing to shore up the Suns’ rotation, as his 2.18 height and the ability to play point guard or shooting guard gave him an atypical profile.
The summer was filled with his photos with the stars, Durant, Booker and Beal, but in reality the word that sums it up is disappearance.
He had only signed for one year for 2.1 million, and came close to not even making the rotation for the season.
In the end, the Suns opted to cut Keon Johnson, leaving the Oregon-trained kid on the team.
Little game time
His time with the Suns is still not off to a great start, because on the court he has barely been seen.
Four minutes in the beginning of the season, contributing a rebound and a block against the Utah Jazz, is his total contribution.
Without any kind of space in the roster, he does not have the presence in rebounding or defense to make Frank Vogel fall in love with him, and the coach prefers the rest of his teammates.
The reality is that he never made an impact in the league.
For example, Victor Wembanyama already surpassed his total numbers as a rookie in the league.
Bol Bol only scored 40 points, grabbed 19 rebounds, hit 4 three-pointers and set 6 blocks in his first season.
Things didn’t improve in the rest of the season, with no trace of the guy who came out of Oregon with 21 points on average.
But there are still those who believe in Bol Bol.
“They say they’ve never seen anyone like Wembanyama. And he does exist. His name is Bol Bol,” Shaquille O’Neal recently confessed on American television.
“They’re two black guys, or something like that,” reproached the former Suns legend Charles Barkley.
“Wembanyama is more consistent. Bol is the first 2.10 guy you see with ball handling and three-point shooting,” Shaq responded.
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