Free agency is among us, and it’s an exhilarating time to be a basketball fan. Players are signing new contracts with different teams or inking big-time extensions. What is often overlooked during these moments is players getting waived. On Tuesday, July 4th, the Orlando Magic waived Bol Bol, leaving the 23-year-old 7’2 forward free to sign with any team.
Bol finally appeared to be getting comfortable in the NBA; he played 70 games and posted career highs across the board, averaging 9.1 points, 5.8 rebounds, and 1.6 blocks per game.
— Orlando Magic (@OrlandoMagic) May 1, 2023
His metrics match up well with top draft picks Victor Wembanyama and Chet Holmgren, and players with his build and skill set don’t come around often. Bol is on a short list of 7’0 foot plus unicorns that can shoot the three, protect the rim, and can create their own shot off the dribble or in the post. During the playoffs, this is exactly the type of asset you need on your team, to contribute as an X factor on a championship run.
Finding a new home for Bol Bol
While it’s always unfortunate to get waived, this could be a blessing in disguise for Bol Bol; due to the new Collective Bargaining Agreement, a lot of top contenders don’t have much money to spend. This applies to teams like the Phoenix Suns, Miami Heat, and Golden State Warriors.
Bradley Beal joining Kevin Durant and Devin Booker in Phoenix has left the Suns with an extremely thin bench and they are in desperate need of some scoring outside of their new Big Three. The Warriors and Heat both lost rotation players to free agency. Warriors guard Donte DiVincenzo signed with the Knicks. Heat lost Max Strus to the Cavaliers and Gabe Vincent to the Lakers.
Additionally, lack of size is what hurt both of these teams in the playoffs and Bol can provide some much-needed length to either roster in the frontcourt. Bol is high reward low risk option and look out for a contender to add him to their roster and have him compete for minutes.