A tight roster leaves no room for error. Will Josh Okogie and Bol Bol lose minutes if they don’t deliver in the last three preseason games?
In their 2-0 start to the preseason, the Phoenix Suns appear to be on track, showcasing a team that is already finding its rhythm.
Over the course of these two games, we’ve seen glimpses of their offensive cohesion and defensive tenacity, indicating strong chemistry and a well-balanced squad. Key players are stepping into their roles, and the new additions seem to be adapting quickly to the team’s system. As the Suns continue to refine their game, they look poised to carry this momentum into the regular season, building on their early success.
With a few more preseason games to go, there are a couple of players who might be on the outside looking in when it comes to earning a spot in the rotation. Josh Okogie and Bol Bol are two names that come to mind. While Okogie brings defensive intensity and energy off the bench, his offensive inconsistency could limit his minutes. Bol Bol, on the other hand, offers intriguing potential as a versatile big man with shot-blocking and shooting ability, but based on what we have seen so far in two preseason games, his limited impact might affect his playing time when the season begins.
Bol Bol
Bol Bol looked lost, to say the least, in his first two appearances this preseason, struggling on both the offensive and defensive ends.
At times, his positioning was off, and he seemed unsure of where to be within the team’s system. There was one play, however, that stood out (shown below), where his off-the-dribble move led to a good look from three for Royce O’Neale. This moment showcased Bol’s potential as a playmaker, but these flashes have been few and far between. To earn consistent minutes, Bol will need to quickly improve his understanding of the team’s schemes and show more confidence on the court.
No way we have Bol Bol playmaking before GTA 6 plz give us the chip now idgaf pic.twitter.com/c3e8MzIQwN
— ☆ (@Stunna999_) October 9, 2024
After Tuesday’s game against the Pistons, where Bol Bol went 1-3 from the field with a -17 plus/minus, he needs to get more shots up. His performance so far hasn’t matched the flashes of potential he’s shown in the past.
He may be one of the few players who truly need more time on the court to adjust. Last year, many expected him to play significant garbage time minutes, but the season didn’t go as planned, and his opportunities were limited. From what we’ve seen in the first two preseason games, this Suns team looks capable of putting opponents away early, which could give Bol Bol the garbage time he needs to develop and refine his game.
This season might be his best chance to take advantage of those minutes and show the coaching staff that he can be a reliable option down the stretch. While the competition for rotation spots is fierce, garbage time could be crucial for Bol to improve his timing, awareness, and confidence. If he can make the most of those minutes and continue to flash his unique skill set, there may still be a path for him to carve out a larger role as the season progresses.
Josh Okogie
Photo by Katelyn Mulcahy/Getty Images
With Ryan Dunn already filling the role of the elite on-ball defender and full-court presence, Okogie faces a tough path to carve out minutes this season. In just 17 minutes played, he finished with a 0 plus/minus, missing an easy layup and having his three-point attempt blocked.
His performance in the first game showed promise, hitting a couple of threes and a spectacular reverse layup, but with little room for error, one off-game could cost him valuable court time. Okogie has the grit and energy the Suns need, but Dunn’s defensive prowess and consistency make him the likely go-to option in this role.
While I appreciate Okogie’s contributions, the competition is fierce, and Dunn’s impact on both ends of the floor could leave Okogie with fewer opportunities this season.
As the Suns evaluate their roster, these players will need to make the most of their remaining preseason opportunities to carve out a role. Okogie must show he can be reliable on both ends of the floor, while Bol Bol needs to prove that he can stay on the floor and be a consistent contributor. With a deep roster, the competition for minutes is fierce, and even talented players like Okogie and Bol Bol face an uphill battle.
Ultimately, the coaching staff will have some tough decisions to make as they finalize the rotation. The Suns have championship aspirations, and each player’s contribution will be closely scrutinized as they prepare for the regular season. The next few games will be crucial for players on the bubble, and performances in these matchups could make all the difference in securing a spot in the rotation.