You probably already went to sleep with Bol Bol still waiting in the green room. Adam Silver has the data.
But eventually – 13 picks after the penultimate green-room prospect selection,* 30 slots lower than I rated him – Bol went No. 44 to the Nuggets (via the Heat).
“It feels pretty good,” Bol said with absolutely no conviction.
It was a tough night for Bol, who entered the draft with major red flags – a foot injury that cost him most of last season, durability and defensive concerns considering he weighs only 208 pounds at 7-foot-2, an entitled attitude, a lacking work ethic.
His fall wasn’t shocking. Those are the types of flaws that bother teams so much. Teams tend to avoid players with medical issues, and players who seem like they could do more are infuriating.
The big question: Why did the NBA even invite Bol to the draft? This outcome was too predictable. The league left Bol out to dry.
Even some of Bol’s harshest critics felt bad about him falling so far. He still has awesome upside with his ball-handling, shooting and shot-blocking.
Denver is making a habit of drafting risky prospects like this. The Nuggets took Michael Porter Jr. No. 14 last year even though he was about to miss the entire season due to a back injury.
By the middle of the second round, Bol offered great value. He might never pan out, but he’s well worth the gamble. By the No. 44 pick, there are no busts.
*Georgia center Nicolas Claxton No. 31 to the Nets