Bol Bol’s situation with the Phoenix Suns is one of those classic “what could have been” NBA stories. He finally got a crack at the rotation, showed flashes of brilliance—18 points, 7 rebounds, and defensive impact—but then one moment of perceived passivity during a heated team brawl changed everything.
From the coaching perspective, especially under someone like Mike Budenholzer who values cohesion and accountability, Bol’s choice to not engage—or even just appear disengaged—during that moment probably looked like a red flag. But the question is: should that one moment have erased all the progress he made? That’s where the debate really heats up.
On one hand, team unity matters, and players are expected to stand together—even if not physically fighting, at least showing support. On the other, Bol didn’t throw anyone under the bus or actively cause harm, he just didn’t jump into the fray. Not exactly a fireable offense in a vacuum.
What makes the whole thing even more layered is Matt Barnes calling the move “stupid,” suggesting it says more about Budenholzer than it does about Bol. And with Bud now out—and $40 million richer without coaching a minute more—it leaves the door cracked open for Bol’s redemption.
Here’s the upside: a new coach could reset the culture, reevaluate what Bol brings to the table, and actually use his rare skill set. Bol’s got a unicorn game—size, fluidity, and shot-blocking instincts you can’t teach. But time is ticking. If he doesn’t come into training camp next season with a fire under him, that “potential” label might start to feel like a career-long tag instead of a launchpad.
What do you think—was Bol unfairly judged for one moment, or was it a legitimate concern for team chemistry?