A season-ending injury set back Bol Bol’s stock for the 2019 NBA Draft. He could have landed higher, but with risk as a 7-foot-2 center, and after what happened once Joel Embiid suffered his first debilitating ailment, there’s still pause for caution.
At No. 8 overall, Bol is still a risk, but the New Orleans Pelicans will need another man in the middle once Anthony Davis moves on.
Since the end of January, the Pelicans have dealt with Davis’ trade request. Once selected No. 1 overall in the 2012 NBA Draft, this player instantly became the face of the franchise. They even won a playoff series together in 2018.
However, DeMarcus Cousins‘ departure and a disappointing start to this season curtailed New Orleans and eventually led to Davis’ desire to leave.
If Bol is the guy, he brings the pedigree of his legendary father, Manute Bol, and ability as a rim-running center, pending the available mobility post-injury. Before it, he averaged 21.0 points, 9.6 rebounds and 2.7 blocks. Along with 52 percent on three-pointers, there was plenty to be excited about.
Of course, the injury is a red flag that could send Bol further down the draft. Talent can keep him a top-10 pick, but this will still become one of the draft’s most interesting storylines.