Valley of the Suns
Fansided

3 young players the Phoenix Suns need to develop

By Luke Duffy

WASHINGTON, DC - NOVEMBER 12: Jordan Goodwin #7 of the Washington Wizards handles the ball against the Utah Jazz at Capital One Arena on November 12, 2022 in Washington, DC. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by G Fiume/Getty Images)
WASHINGTON, DC - NOVEMBER 12: Jordan Goodwin #7 of the Washington Wizards handles the ball against the Utah Jazz at Capital One Arena on November 12, 2022 in Washington, DC. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by G Fiume/Getty Images) /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
3 of 4
Next
ORLANDO, FLORIDA – DECEMBER 14: Bol Bol #10 of the Orlando Magic shoots the ball. (Photo by Douglas P. DeFelice/Getty Images)
ORLANDO, FLORIDA – DECEMBER 14: Bol Bol #10 of the Orlando Magic shoots the ball. (Photo by Douglas P. DeFelice/Getty Images) /

3 young players the Phoenix Suns need to develop.

2. Bol Bol

The Suns surprised many by adding Bol Bol to their roster on the veteran’s minimum, a real low-risk, high-reward move if it works out for them. What the team shouldn’t do at this point is exactly what Bol’s previous employers, the Orlando Magic, did last season.

Namely, give him a ton of looks early in the year and watch him go off offensively, before mothballing him once their core rotation was back to full health. Bol was given a chance last season to prove he belongs in the NBA, and on the offensive end at least, he proved that. So much so that the case is already being made for him to start for the Suns next season.

No matter your thoughts on that, the Suns now need to put some time into developing the 23-year-old, so that they can then get the best out of him. Offensively he provides the Suns with a unique look, as his ridiculous length, combined with a decent shooting touch and underrated handles, will surely go well next to Durant and Booker.

Defensively however it is another story, and it was Bol’s inability to do – well anything on that end last season – which forced the Magic to sit him. Bol won’t be expected to carry a big load defensively, as Deandre Ayton and even Durant in spots can do that. But new head coach Frank Vogel has to at least attempt to make him improve in some ways on that end.

The margin for error with Bol is small here, as if he just flat out can’t stop any opponents, the Suns will be forced to sit him early in the campaign. If they can raise the floor of his capabilities even a small bit, then the sky truly will be the limit. Bol is going to look good next to his superstar teammates when the Suns have the ball. They just need to ensure his defending improves.

Home/Suns News