“Phoenix Suns Re-Sign Bol Bol: A Strategic Move to Harness Untapped Potential”
Shortly after agreeing to a four-year, $44 million deal with Royce O’Neale, the Phoenix Suns re-signed Bol Bol. According to ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski, Bol Bol agreed to a one-year, $2.4 million deal with the Suns.
As an unrestricted free agent, Bol Bol was challenging to retain. The Suns wanted to keep him, as reported by PHNX Sports, but were financially limited. Using Bol’s non-Bird rights, Phoenix could only offer up to 120% of his 2023-24 salary, which is about $2.4 million. Despite the possibility of an outside team offering more, Phoenix managed to retain their promising 7-footer.
The Suns aimed to retain at least two of O’Neale, Bol, and Josh Okogie, hoping to keep all three in a best-case scenario. Now, their biggest need is “adding a point guard, maybe even two,” according to a source.
Bol Bol, who averaged 5.2 points, 3.2 rebounds, and 0.6 blocks in 10.9 minutes per game last season, started building momentum in the second half of the season. With regular minutes, he secured his spot in the rotation.
Although Bol Bol’s postseason performance didn’t hold up, it was the first time in his young NBA career that he showed promise on a playoff team, making a reunion sensible for both parties. Bol was particularly eager to continue playing alongside his favorite player growing up, Kevin Durant.
“He’s helping me a lot, even when he doesn’t know,” Bol said. “Just me watching him, and there’s been times we’ve played one-on-one. It’s been pretty cool, especially since that’s my favorite player growing up.”
Bol had an impressive second half of the season despite an injury and an inconsistent role under former coach Frank Vogel. Phoenix went 18-6 when Bol played double-digit minutes. In those 24 games, he averaged 8.3 points, 4.8 rebounds, and 0.8 blocks in 15.9 minutes per game on 64.1 percent shooting, including 51.2 percent from 3. Bol also shot 84.2 percent at the rim, excelled in transition, and displayed ball-handling ability. Simplifying his game under Vogel and assistant David Fizdale, Bol showed enough promise to be re-signed.
Bol was a fan favorite, with Jusuf Nurkic describing him as a “magnet” for the home crowd whenever he made unexpected plays, finished dunks, or blocked shots. Kevin Durant also praised Bol, noting, “I just love everything about Bol, and you can tell that everybody loves Bol or are rooting for him, even the crowd. Every arena we go to, they’re rooting for Bol….He’s just a great soul, man. I like being around him.”
It remains to be seen how new coach Mike Budenholzer will use Bol. He was more effective as a 4 last year, hitting threes at a high rate and attacking closeouts on the perimeter. With only Jusuf Nurkic and Oso Ighodaro at the 5-spot, it’s uncertain whether Phoenix will target another center in free agency.
Whether Bol plays at the 4 or the 5, he demonstrated enough potential as a sustainable role player for the Suns to want him back. Despite financial constraints, they managed to re-sign him, making it a win by adding more size, length, upside, and finishing ability while aiming to further develop his potential.
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