The French phenom that is Victor Wembanyama is already being labeled as a generational talent for his freakish length, ball-handling ability, and outside shooting. He’s set to make his NBA debut very soon, but Orlando Magic forward Paolo Banchero believes the League already has its version of Wembanyama.
He is the 7’2 Sudanese forward of the Magic, Bol Bol, who has revived his career in Orlando after three quiet seasons with the Denver Nuggets.
The 23-year-old currently averages 13.5 points, 7.9 rebounds, 2.0 blocks, and is shooting 41.9 percent from three-point range. The leap in production from his years in Denver showcased Bol just needed the opportunity to prove his worth with as many minutes as possible, and Banchero is now front row to see his center blossom.
“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,” Banchero said. “I feel like people kind of forget about him, but Bol’s a freak of nature.”
a career night for @BolBol 🪄
— Orlando Magic (@OrlandoMagic) November 17, 2022
26 PTS • 12 REB • 3 BLK • 57% FG pic.twitter.com/qxsbE4Rz48
The numbers Wembanyama usually puts up are just as impressive, but to do that on an NBA floor isn’t as easy as he makes it look overseas, even if the competition is more spirited.
Bol has put up these numbers against Kevin Durant, Julius Randle, and Karl-Anthony Towns, all of which are among the world’s best power forwards. One of his best performances this season was at Madison Square Garden against the New York Knicks, dropping 19 points (1-2 from beyond the arc), five rebounds, four blocks, and an 80 percent shooting clip from the field.
Wembanyama is capable of being the difference maker to a franchise’s title contention, but 29 other teams missed out on the similar products they could’ve received from Bol. If Bol continues to use his athletic abilities to his advantage, the League may evaluate a shift in the type of player teams are looking to develop.
