Could Bol Bol be the answer to the Suns’ season-long struggles?

Bol Bol’s impact shows the Suns have a lot to figure out.

That’s right, folks. We’ve officially hit this part of the Phoenix Suns season. Phoenix sits at 26-26, teetering between hope and disappointment. A playoff spot is still within reach, but expectations have crumbled, and the team’s consistency relative to playing competitive basketball is fragile at best.

Normally, when a team reaches this stage, the bench starts getting serious run. In a well-functioning organization, this would be a time for development. Leaning into the struggles, embracing the suck, and securing better draft capital for June. But the Suns? They don’t even own their pick, so losing does nothing but fuel Houston’s joy.

And yet, here we are, stuck pondering the same questions. Questions I’m not sure even have answers anymore. Take Bol Bol, for example. I’ve never been sold on his long-term viability. Sure, he blocks shots, but defensively, he’s been unreliable. Then again, he’s never had a real opportunity to prove otherwise. Now, with the season at a crossroads, he’s finally getting those minutes. What comes next? Well, that’s anyone’s guess.

You know what? Bol Bol is actually making an impact.

He looks good. Not great, but absolutely serviceable. We saw this same movie last season when he had a similar mid-year surge under Frank Vogel. If you’ve got a guy who can consistently give you 12 points off the bench, you play him. Vogel did…until he didn’t.

Now, Mike Budenholzer finds himself in a similar spot. Injuries, plus a post-trade deadline roster in flux, have forced the Suns to dig deep into the bench. And standing there at 7’3” is Bol Bol, delivering some of the only real sparks of excitement. Over the last two games, he’s averaged 28.7 minutes, 15.5 points, 5 rebounds, and 3.5 blocks. He’s throwing down transition dunks, whipping behind-the-back passes, and even knocking down threes.

And here’s the real kicker: the only time the arena actually comes alive is when Bol does something. If that doesn’t sum up the state of the Suns, I don’t know what does.

But is this run sustainable for Bol? Should the Suns keep giving him minutes, letting him showcase what he can do every night? Honestly, at this point, why not? Let’s see what the kid has. He’s been on the roster for a year and a half now, and his playing time has been inconsistent at best. Sure, there have been moments where he’s looked bad, and times when he’s been downright awful, but there have also been stretches where he’s made a real impact on this team.

So, why not?

Let’s open the Bol gates wide and see if he can keep bringing that excitement. Who knows? Maybe he’ll surprise us. Maybe with a sustained run, he’ll show that, with time, he can develop into something more. Yes, the more he plays, the more opposing scouts will have on him, and they’ll figure out how to attack him—especially on the defensive end. But right now, we need something to feel good about, and Bol’s been giving us that. So let’s give him more minutes.

There you go, Rooster, I’m coming around to your way of thinking. That should at least put a smile on your face.

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