Bol Bol Discussion Thread: Long-Term Starter or Reserve?

[fendilim]

It can't be understated how exciting it is that Orlando finally landed someone like Bol without giving up anything substantial.

I don't know why Weltman and Hammond haven't taken more of these kinds of chances on guys buried on benches. I guess you could say they did with Hampton, but that doesn't look like it worked out.

It's nice to hear people talk about Orlando when it doesn't involve lotto picks and being at the bottom of the league.

they did reclaim project.

A player with top pedigree coming out of highschool or
College but struggles in the pros.

They’ve done that numerous times. Khem burch, briscoe, mcw, fultz, etc. you can even consider cole anthony (top 3 projected then gets injured)

Not every move will be a hit. But WeHam have done numerous reclaim projects during their tenure.

I dunno man. I don't really count MCW considering he had been on numerous teams before Orlando. The other guys were fringe NBA talent at best.

You have a case with Fultz, Bol, and Hampton. Can you really consider Cole a reclamation project if Orlando is his first NBA team and he is drafted in the first round?

I'm talking specifically about guys that don't get minutes, buried on NBA benches, due to rosters not allowing them to. Bol and Hampton didn't get time because there were significantly better players and bench units preventing them from getting minutes even though they had hype coming out of the draft. Celtics and Nuggets organizations said as much about Bol. This is kind of my argument against drafting dudes that have no chance at earning minutes.

I specifically remember vouching for Gary Trent before they moved him to Toronto after averaging 8mpg in Portland. Tre Jones didn't see the court in San Antonio behind Murray, White, and Mills and now he's looking like an asset. Nesmith in Indiana is another good example of a guy that is doing more with the Pacers than he was in Boston buried on a bench.

Most of the players I mentioned are pretty much of the same boat, but it happened at varying stages in their career.

Highly touted previously, struggles in the next level, gets overlooked… claimed by the Magic.

We don’t have boatload of assets.

Its hard to get guys like that when they have already entered the NBA. We had to give up a 1st rounder for Fultz. Pacers got nesmith in a brogdon deal. Raptors gave up Norman Powell for trent. Tre Jones, but he was a Free Agent.

Unfortunately, we dont even have the luxury of trading players the caliber of Brogdon and Norman powell… much more we’re even just starting to acquire players of their caliber just now

[VFX]

they did reclaim project.

A player with top pedigree coming out of highschool or
College but struggles in the pros.

They’ve done that numerous times. Khem burch, briscoe, mcw, fultz, etc. you can even consider cole anthony (top 3 projected then gets injured)

Not every move will be a hit. But WeHam have done numerous reclaim projects during their tenure.

I dunno man. I don't really count MCW considering he had been on numerous teams before Orlando. The other guys were fringe NBA talent at best.

You have a case with Fultz, Bol, and Hampton. Can you really consider Cole a reclamation project if Orlando is his first NBA team and he is drafted in the first round?

I'm talking specifically about guys that don't get minutes, buried on NBA benches, due to rosters not allowing them to. Bol and Hampton didn't get time because there were significantly better players and bench units preventing them from getting minutes even though they had hype coming out of the draft. Celtics and Nuggets organizations said as much about Bol. This is kind of my argument against drafting dudes that have no chance at earning minutes.

I specifically remember vouching for Gary Trent before they moved him to Toronto after averaging 8mpg in Portland. Tre Jones didn't see the court in San Antonio behind Murray, White, and Mills and now he's looking like an asset. Nesmith in Indiana is another good example of a guy that is doing more with the Pacers than he was in Boston buried on a bench.

Most of the players I mentioned are pretty much of the same boat, but it happened at varying stages in their career.

Highly touted previously, struggles in the next level, gets overlooked… claimed by the Magic.

We don’t have boatload of assets.

Its hard to get guys like that when they have already entered the NBA. We had to give up a 1st rounder for Fultz. Pacers got nesmith in a brogdon deal. Raptors gave up Norman Powell for trent. Tre Jones, but he was a Free Agent.

Unfortunately, we dont even have the luxury of trading players the caliber of Brogdon and Norman powell… much more we’re even just starting to acquire players of their caliber just now

Fultz and Isaac could both fetch some assets depending on whether they come back and showcase some kind of ability while remaining healthy. Wishful thinking.

I don’t think Ross or Bamba are landing much.

[fendilim]

I dunno man. I don't really count MCW considering he had been on numerous teams before Orlando. The other guys were fringe NBA talent at best.

You have a case with Fultz, Bol, and Hampton. Can you really consider Cole a reclamation project if Orlando is his first NBA team and he is drafted in the first round?

I'm talking specifically about guys that don't get minutes, buried on NBA benches, due to rosters not allowing them to. Bol and Hampton didn't get time because there were significantly better players and bench units preventing them from getting minutes even though they had hype coming out of the draft. Celtics and Nuggets organizations said as much about Bol. This is kind of my argument against drafting dudes that have no chance at earning minutes.

I specifically remember vouching for Gary Trent before they moved him to Toronto after averaging 8mpg in Portland. Tre Jones didn't see the court in San Antonio behind Murray, White, and Mills and now he's looking like an asset. Nesmith in Indiana is another good example of a guy that is doing more with the Pacers than he was in Boston buried on a bench.

Most of the players I mentioned are pretty much of the same boat, but it happened at varying stages in their career.

Highly touted previously, struggles in the next level, gets overlooked… claimed by the Magic.

We don’t have boatload of assets.

Its hard to get guys like that when they have already entered the NBA. We had to give up a 1st rounder for Fultz. Pacers got nesmith in a brogdon deal. Raptors gave up Norman Powell for trent. Tre Jones, but he was a Free Agent.

Unfortunately, we dont even have the luxury of trading players the caliber of Brogdon and Norman powell… much more we’re even just starting to acquire players of their caliber just now

Fultz and Isaac could both fetch some assets depending on whether they come back and showcase some kind of ability while remaining healthy. Wishful thinking.

I don’t think Ross or Bamba are landing much.

Fultz - if he develops a jumper
Isaac - if he becomes healthy

Unfortunately, they are not.

So no, we dont have assets.

Ross and Bamba will not land us anything. We can’t even land a late 1st for Ross.

Bamba is actually the type of reclamation prospect weham would have taken, if you think about it. Highly touted and Buried behind Vuc. Then Last year they gave him the opportunity.

[MagicManMike]

Most of the players I mentioned are pretty much of the same boat, but it happened at varying stages in their career.

Highly touted previously, struggles in the next level, gets overlooked… claimed by the Magic.

We don’t have boatload of assets.

Its hard to get guys like that when they have already entered the NBA. We had to give up a 1st rounder for Fultz. Pacers got nesmith in a brogdon deal. Raptors gave up Norman Powell for trent. Tre Jones, but he was a Free Agent.

Unfortunately, we dont even have the luxury of trading players the caliber of Brogdon and Norman powell… much more we’re even just starting to acquire players of their caliber just now

Fultz and Isaac could both fetch some assets depending on whether they come back and showcase some kind of ability while remaining healthy. Wishful thinking.

I don’t think Ross or Bamba are landing much.

Fultz - if he develops a jumper
Isaac - if he becomes healthy

Unfortunately, they are not.

So no, we dont have assets.

Ross and Bamba will not land us anything. We can’t even land a late 1st for Ross.

Bamba is actually the type of reclamation prospect weham would have taken, if you think about it. Highly touted and Buried behind Vuc. Then Last year they gave him the opportunity.

Trade Bamba for a reclaim project, trade Ross for a 2027 second round pick and a 2027 1st round pick swap

[fendilim]

Fultz and Isaac could both fetch some assets depending on whether they come back and showcase some kind of ability while remaining healthy. Wishful thinking.

I don’t think Ross or Bamba are landing much.

Fultz - if he develops a jumper
Isaac - if he becomes healthy

Unfortunately, they are not.

So no, we dont have assets.

Ross and Bamba will not land us anything. We can’t even land a late 1st for Ross.

Bamba is actually the type of reclamation prospect weham would have taken, if you think about it. Highly touted and Buried behind Vuc. Then Last year they gave him the opportunity.

Trade Bamba for a reclaim project, trade Ross for a 2027 second round pick and a 2027 1st round pick swap

Yeah. As if Bamba and Ross still have value

[dsg2021]

Bol Bol is really something, and he's feeling the confidence. If his offense remains this efficient and unique, he's gonna be too good despite any defensive issues. And the defensive issues aren't necessarily many with his reach and blocking hah.

Our Bench is so horrific that IF Bol ever did go there, he'd actually have more shots and possessions there than as a Starter, imo.

[JF5]

Man, a lot of Magic fans have trouble giving Weltham credit but picking up Bol, Franz, Paolo and 5 picks in the next two years, but they have us set up for a bright future!

There was a lot of back and forth with Chet or Paolo but Bol is looking like what people were hoping Chet will be. Blocking shots, handling the ball, knocking down 3s and finishing at the rim at a high rate!

Obviously he will just need to remain consistent and improve some of his decision making but if he stays healthy I don’t see him failing with those.

Having seen NBA Chet so I may be way off with saying Bol can provide what he does.

I’m a fan and am excited to see him grow with Paolo, Franz and 2023 pick(s) moving forward as core pieces for our Magic!

Its weird... They drafted a potential generational talent in Paolo when most thought it shouldve/couldve been Jabari Smith Jr. They flipped Vucevic for a draft pick who turned out to be an already borderline allstar in Franz who still has a ton of room to grow, whilst in that same trade they got a really good big man with allstar potential in Wendell. Got Bol Bol for nothing. They also have Issac if he remains healthy is a HUGE piece for this team as well.

They got Suggs/Fultz/Harris/Anthony who are good assets/complimentary players. Then the crap ton of draft capital along with their own which they can flip for another star without compromising the integrity the base core of the roster.

The last 2 years of rebuilding they've probably have done it the best out of all the rebuilding teams.

It makes no sense to me how people would really dog them given how well the talent allocation process has gone for this team. It really trips me out.

[ucfmay2000]

Bol’s game reminds me some of Chet’s game. At this time, I don’t know if Chet is better than Bol but I feel like Magic just luckily landed #1 and #2 last year pick. Any thought???

[thelead]

Man, a lot of Magic fans have trouble giving Weltham credit but picking up Bol, Franz, Paolo and 5 picks in the next two years, but they have us set up for a bright future!

There was a lot of back and forth with Chet or Paolo but Bol is looking like what people were hoping Chet will be. Blocking shots, handling the ball, knocking down 3s and finishing at the rim at a high rate!

Obviously he will just need to remain consistent and improve some of his decision making but if he stays healthy I don’t see him failing with those.

Having seen NBA Chet so I may be way off with saying Bol can provide what he does.

I’m a fan and am excited to see him grow with Paolo, Franz and 2023 pick(s) moving forward as core pieces for our Magic!

Its weird... They drafted a potential generational talent in Paolo when most thought it shouldve/couldve been Jabari Smith Jr. They flipped Vucevic for a draft pick who turned out to be an already borderline allstar in Franz who still has a ton of room to grow, whilst in that same trade they got a really good big man with allstar potential in Wendell. Got Bol Bol for nothing. They also have Issac if he remains healthy is a HUGE piece for this team as well.

They got Suggs/Fultz/Harris/Anthony who are good assets/complimentary players. Then the crap ton of draft capital along with their own which they can flip for another star without compromising the integrity the base core of the roster.

The last 2 years of rebuilding they've probably have done it the best out of all the rebuilding teams.

It makes no sense to me how people would really dog them given how well the talent allocation process has gone for this team. It really trips me out.

I gave them crap throughout the buddyball years but they really have redeemed themselves IMO. I have no problem giving them their due credit.

[leo7]

Bol Bol is going to be a great offensive player, but I'm really concerned about his defense, especially on the perimeter. He is basically a dummy defender that players use to shoot over in practice. He's not really bothering anyone's shot unless they're a bad shooter. He really needs to learn how to play defense and move his feet if he wants to be an impact player. This is what separates him from being on Chet and Wemby's level of potential. Because both of those players have really high defensive IQ.

To say he's not bothering anyone's shot is just factually incorrect. Watch any game and see how they react when he's in the vicinity. They respect his shot blocking ability and it's extremely apparent unless you've not watched any games.

He definitely does bother shots in the paint. But when he switches on the perimeter the good shooters are shooting over him because he gives them too much air space to get a shot off. He does catch them off guard sometimes and gets a block, but most of the time they size him up and shoot right over him.

[leo7]

Bol’s game reminds me some of Chet’s game. At this time, I don’t know if Chet is better than Bol but I feel like Magic just luckily landed #1 and #2 last year pick. Any thought???

I agree but I think Chet is still a better shooter and a smarter defensive player than Bol is right now. But that could maybe change if Bol keeps improving.

[Bigmagicfan82]

I think ultimately the Magic will have to go to a more traditional lineup. Bol Bol will move to the back up PF spot. He will be the 6th man off the bench and JI will be traded (if he ever comes back).

[JTG_92940618]

Bol’s game reminds me some of Chet’s game. At this time, I don’t know if Chet is better than Bol but I feel like Magic just luckily landed #1 and #2 last year pick. Any thought???

I agree but I think Chet is still a better shooter and a smarter defensive player than Bol is right now. But that could maybe change if Bol keeps improving.

Chet is a much more careful and deliberate player than Bol. It's like the difference between Franz and RJ.

[AaronB]

Bol’s game reminds me some of Chet’s game. At this time, I don’t know if Chet is better than Bol but I feel like Magic just luckily landed #1 and #2 last year pick. Any thought???

I agree but I think Chet is still a better shooter and a smarter defensive player than Bol is right now. But that could maybe change if Bol keeps improving.

You have no idea of what kind of player Chet is or what he will become.

It took Bol 4 years to recover from his foot injuries.

Chet will likely take that long also.

What we do know is that both players have similar body types and similar capabilities in terms of shooting, shot blocking and running the floor.

[Rainwater]

I will admit I was wrong on Bol Bol again and say he will be a long-term starter. But I don't know how they are going to work this line-up with him, Paolo, Franz, and Carter especially with the fact that the magic need guard help in the worst way.

[AaronB]

Bol’s game reminds me some of Chet’s game. At this time, I don’t know if Chet is better than Bol but I feel like Magic just luckily landed #1 and #2 last year pick. Any thought???

Given Chet's injury, no one would draft him #2.

Right now, I only see 2 players from the 2022 draft that I would rather have than Bol.

From the 2021 draft, only 2, although that might change. I would have said 3 at the beginning of the season.

[shadrock]

Man, a lot of Magic fans have trouble giving Weltham credit but picking up Bol, Franz, Paolo and 5 picks in the next two years, but they have us set up for a bright future!

There was a lot of back and forth with Chet or Paolo but Bol is looking like what people were hoping Chet will be. Blocking shots, handling the ball, knocking down 3s and finishing at the rim at a high rate!

Obviously he will just need to remain consistent and improve some of his decision making but if he stays healthy I don’t see him failing with those.

Having seen NBA Chet so I may be way off with saying Bol can provide what he does.

I’m a fan and am excited to see him grow with Paolo, Franz and 2023 pick(s) moving forward as core pieces for our Magic!

Its weird... They drafted a potential generational talent in Paolo when most thought it shouldve/couldve been Jabari Smith Jr. They flipped Vucevic for a draft pick who turned out to be an already borderline allstar in Franz who still has a ton of room to grow, whilst in that same trade they got a really good big man with allstar potential in Wendell. Got Bol Bol for nothing. They also have Issac if he remains healthy is a HUGE piece for this team as well.

They got Suggs/Fultz/Harris/Anthony who are good assets/complimentary players. Then the crap ton of draft capital along with their own which they can flip for another star without compromising the integrity the base core of the roster.

The last 2 years of rebuilding they've probably have done it the best out of all the rebuilding teams.

It makes no sense to me how people would really dog them given how well the talent allocation process has gone for this team. It really trips me out.

A lot here are way to attached to wins/losses as a sign of success. I guarantee you if we had of won a game vs Philly and then beat Brooklyn the other day, all of a sudden the negative posts would mostly be positive, and the perceptions would be that we are on the right path.

[Def Swami]

I'm all in on the Bol bandwagon. He's clearly talented as an offensive player and a match up nightmare. He's such a fun watch. There's no one like him in the NBA. He's been super efficient. Besides blocking shots, he's kind of a wreck on defense, which can't be overlooked. But, there aren't a lot of flawless 23 year old prospects in the NBA. There's something there that should be groomed.

I don't really know what he is in the NBA yet. I'm not even certain he'll ever be a player that contributes to winning long term. But, I do think he's shown as much as any young player to see the experiment through. I'm a far bigger believer in Bol as a prospect than I ever was with Isaac, Bamba, Okeke, and Anthony.

[MagicManMike]

I'm all in on the Bol bandwagon. He's clearly talented as an offensive player and a match up nightmare. He's such a fun watch. There's no one like him in the NBA. He's been super efficient. Besides blocking shots, he's kind of a wreck on defense, which can't be overlooked. But, there aren't a lot of flawless 23 year old prospects in the NBA. There's something there that should be groomed.

“Among players with at least 50 shot attempts at the rim, no one scores more points per possession than Bol, per Synergy”

[MagicManMike]

“Bol is far from a finished product—and one can only guess what the finished product could be. But one thing is certain: He is neither a myth nor a folk legend. Bol’s talent is as real as it gets.”