It’s clear that the Orlando Magic are not yet ready to make the playoffs, despite a slew of wonderful young talent on the team.
Right now, the Magic are 5-16 and sit in 14th place in the East.
So unless there is a huge turnaround over the next few months, they will likely be towards the bottom of the standings at the end of the season.
That means that they could be poised for a great NBA draft and might even nab French prospect Victor Wembanyama.
“Everyone talks about the Victor dude from France. I’m not trying to compare them, but Bol’s 7’2, shoots threes, brings it up the court, makes passes, and blocks shots. I feel like people kind of forget about him, but Bol’s a freak of nature.”
– Paolo on Bol Bol
(@MikeAScotto) pic.twitter.com/9eeTeUJLra
— NBACentral (@TheNBACentral) November 29, 2022
But this year’s current rookie phenom, Paolo Banchero, isn’t really concerned or interested in Wembanyama because he feels his team already has a supremely talented, versatile big man.
Banchero is all in on his teammate Bol Bol, saying:
“Everyone talks about the Victor dude from France. I’m not trying to compare them, but Bol’s 7’2, shoots threes, brings it up the court, makes passes, and blocks shots. I feel like people kind of forget about him, but Bol’s a freak of nature.”
It’s wild to see the progress that Bol has made in such a short amount of time and it’s hard to argue against what Banchero is saying.
Bol’s Big Bounce Back
Bol has been in the league for four seasons now but he hasn’t produced a whole lot of headlines or viral moments.
Last season, while still playing for the Denver Nuggets, Bol averaged 2.4 points and 1.4 rebounds in 5.8 minutes played.
This season with the Magic, he is putting up 13.5 points and 7.9 rebounds in 27.1 minutes played.
He has not only grown, he has blown up in a huge way.
His three-point percentage has also been enhanced: he is now shooting at 41.9% from the three-point line.
Bol has become a crucial part of this young team.
It’s true they probably won’t make the postseason but Bol has proven that he deserves respect and serious attention.
NEXT: One Magic Player Is Making A Case For Rookie Of The Year