The Case for Bol Bol
AFP Photo/ELSA
The Lakers are slotted to pick 11th or lower unless the lottery gods decide otherwise. Moreover, analysts around the league expect the Lakers to try to shop their low lottery pick for another shot at Anthony Davis or pick a "NBA ready" draftee in order to appease LeBron. Yet, picking the best available player should always the be rule and Bol Bol is exactly that player.
The son of former tallest player in the NBA, Manute Bol, Bol Bol comes in at 7-2 with 7-5 wingspan with good athleticism. The big man possesses the shooting stroke (75.7% from the free throw line), range (shot 52% from beyond the arc) and defense (2.7 blocks per game) that makes him similar to a certain unicorn currently in the NBA. He also comes with numerous flaws: a slim build, reported attitude issues, and most importantly a navicular stress fracture that ended his short career with the Ducks. Hence there is a reason why he's projected to land in the mid to late first round in many mock drafts being labeled as a "high risk, high reward" draftee.
Looking at the Lakers current basketball situation does make one think that they should not waste their time drafting such a player when they need to win now rather than later. I would argue that the Lakers can do both and should do both. Putting aside the Lakers current hectic management situation their offseason prospects are good on paper. The Lakers have more than 40 million in projected open cap space, a chance to jettison suspect player signings (Rondo, Lance, KCP), young players with high potential on rookie contracts and of course the lottery pick. The Lakers FO will be in all likelihood going after a top tier star to pair with LeBron to chase a ring but the sobering reality is that there are a lot of unknowns when it comes to that venture.
On the other hand, the Lakers future is much clearer. Ingram, Kuzma, and Ball all have shown flashes of All-Star potential when healthy. Beyond this trio, Josh Hart and the best of the South Bay Lakers (Caruso, Jones, and Williams) have proven to be great role players. Bol Bol would be a great add to the Lakers from both "win now" and "win later" standpoints. He may provide a great trading piece if the Lakers want to be in talks for Anthony Davis but if that doesn't pan out Bol Bol serves a great prospect with All-Star potential to go along with the Lakers young core.
Going back to Bol Bol's flaws, we can start with his injury. Bol Bol had surgery in January of this year and the average rehab time is about 5 months. Even if Bol Bol were to take a year off, he can still be back to playing form in January with a lot of time left next season to gain experience. The most notable comparison to Bol Bol's situation is Joel Embiid who suffered a navicular stress fracture in his right foot. The big man missed a season due to having surgery during June of the year he moved to the NBA (also Philly wanted to be ultra conservative and tank) and another season because of setbacks in rehabbing. Embiid was during his rehab process which may have contributed to his setback. To know more about this injury here is a very helpful video.
Bol Bol's attitude problems from what I have read are more of a reported issue than something that is a highly concerning "red flag". Then again today's league has so many highly talented players with attitude problems. He should fit right in if anything. The big man's build shouldn't be that much of a concern in a league where post players are becoming obsolete. Bol Bol comes in with a body similar to Kristaps Porzingis, so although he will be pushed around initially he will eventually fill out his body within two season or more.
All in all Bol Bol with his talent and physical gifts would be an absolute steal for the Lakers if he falls to the 11th pick like he's projected to be in. What do you guys think?