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It is remarkable how an NBA season progresses, and with it the storylines that we take note of. The Phoenix Suns have received quality play over the past two weeks from fifth-year big man/wing Bol Bol. It’s not a storyline I saw coming.
After playing a mere 19 minutes total in the first 32 games of the season, he has averaged 16.6 minutes played in his last four games. He earned those minutes by making a positive impact on the game. He has been productive and he makes his presence felt.
You know when Bol is on the court, not just because the fan base cheers with delight, but because he influences the game. We wish more players would provide such impactful minutes, like Keita Bates-Diop or Josh Okigie. They can be on the floor for minutes at a time and you forget they’re even there.
Unfortunately for Bol, however, he will once again be out on Tuesday with foot issues.
Bol Bol (right foot sprain) and Damion Lee (right meniscus surgery) remain out for tomorrow’s game against the Kings
— Gerald Bourguet (@GeraldBourguet) January 16, 2024
You may recall in the game against the Miami Heat, Bol came left across the key and tweaked his ankle on an and-one play. He was ruled out for the next two games but made a return against the Los Angeles Lakers. He scored 6 points in 17 minutes, and it appeared that no major injury had occurred.
Following practice on Saturday, however, Frank Vogel stated that Bol had “significant soreness” in that foot. He missed the game against the Portland Trail Blazers as a result.
Vogel added that he would be reevaluated on Monday. Reevaluation has occurred. He is now missing another game, this time against their Pacific Division rival Sacramento Kings.
It’s scary when you start to talk about players, especially those who are over 7 feet tall, and foot issues. Precaution is the correct modus operandi in this situation, and hopefully, with rest, Bol once again returns to the Sun lineup.
He has proven to be effective and has earned all the minutes that he is allocated. Is he the difference between a win and a loss? Probably not, but when you have someone coming off the bench and averaging 8.8 points on 77.8% shooting, coupled with 5.8 rebounds, that can be felt.
Bol was just getting his footing. Hopefully, he can take care of that foot and return to provide a similar impact.
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