'Bol Bol is Stuck in That Limbo': Ex-NBA Player Reflects on the Suns’ Player’s Limited Time on the Floor

“With a guy like Bol Bol, if you sit him down trying to teach him a lesson, he shrinks,” McCants said. “You get him out there, let him do what he want, he’d do too much.

“It’s teaching, bro is trying to mitigate positive reinforcement, negative reinforcement. The whole psychology of the game. We talk about 90% mental, 10% physical. That’s the part. Bol Bol is stuck in that limbo of what the f**k do I do when the coach ain’t sitting me?”

Since joining Phoenix in 2023, Bol has only played 60 games. While the squad focuses on competing for a title, the big guy is often left out of the rotation. This has gradually slowed his development after he made a strong impression with the Orlando Magic in the 2022-23 season. In his lone campaign with the Magic, the big man averaged 9.1 points, 5.8 rebounds and 1.2 blocks in 70 games and 33 starts.

Bol has the same mindset whether he’s starting or not for the Suns

Bol is a fan-favorite for the Suns as he’s a tall player who can score from almost anywhere on the court. However, he hasn’t gotten a lot of exposure under head coach Mike Budenholzer this season. Still, he’s maintained a certain level of professionalism by having the same mindset no matter if he’ll play or not, start or come off the bench.

“Same mindset, just come in and play hard, starting, not starting,” Bol said. “five minutes, 20, 30 minutes. Just keep the same mindset.”

The Sudanese center has played in 17 games this season, averaging 5.5 points and 2.6 rebounds. With his recent outing against Memphis, he could have more chances at playing before the campaign ends.