Stephon Marbury Says Bol Bol Will Be a “Top-Tier Player in the Next Two Years”

Magic big man Bol Bol is subtly taking the NBA by storm. His unique skillset is garnering attention from people across the basketball world. Most recently, former All-Star Stephon Marbury called the 23-year-old a “top-tier player in the next two years,” per Sideline Sources’ Wenzell Ortiz.

Bol, who has shown flashes of superstardom on numerous occasions this season, is firmly in the running for Most Improved Player. Adding to his case are the extolling comments he has received from luminaries in the association. 

Marbury, 45, lauded the precocious big man for his exceptional play thus far this season, adding that it portends his ascension in the coming years. The former All-NBA guard also attributes Bol’s palpable passion to his misutilization by the Nuggets.

“He will be a top-tier player in the next two years,” Marbury told Sideline Sources’ Wenzell Ortiz. “He’s playing with a passion because of how he was treated elsewhere. It’s great to see him shine.”

Marbury’s sentiment about Bol having the best parts of his late father, Manute Bol, is poignant yet astute.

“He has his father’s heart and desires on the court, mixed with all the things his father didn’t have as a player.”

Bol Bol Is Receiving Praise From Across the NBA

NEW YORK, NEW YORK - NOVEMBER 28: Bol Bol #10 of the Orlando Magic in action against the Brooklyn Nets at Barclays Center on November 28, 2022 in New York City. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Brooklyn Nets defeated the Orlando Magic 109-102. (Photo by Mike Stobe/Getty Images)
Photo by Mike Stobe/Getty Images

Marbury is not the first member of the NBA family to inundate Bol with adulation. After a scintillating 24-point performance, on 10-15 from the field, against the Nets on Monday, Kyle Kuzma tweeted that Orlando should build their franchise around Bol.

Kevin Durant also called the seven-footer “unique,” and that he is evolving game-by-game.

Furthermore, Bol’s teammates are taking notice of his otherworldly abilities, as well. In an interview with Hoopshype, Paolo Banchero, the No. 1 overall pick in this year’s draft, said that people overlook Bol’s extensive repertoire because of the hype surrounding projected No. 1 pick Victor Wembanyama.

“Everyone talks about the Victor dude from France,” Magic star Paolo Banchero told HoopsHype. “I’m not trying to compare them, but Bol’s 7-foot-2, shoots threes, brings it up the court, makes passes, and blocks shots. I feel like people kind of forget about him, but Bol’s a freak of nature.”

Banchero, 20, also talked about how incredulous he is at the fact that Bol was not playing in Denver.

“I don’t think any of us have been surprised by him,” Banchero said. “He was highly touted coming out of high school, and in the games he played in college, he dominated. He’s been capable his whole life. From the first day I got on the court with him in the summer, it was obvious. I was like, “I don’t know how this guy hasn’t been playing.” He’s ultra-talented at 7-foot-2, can shoot pull-up threes, and block shots all around the court. He moves like a 6-foot-5 shooting guard. It’s crazy.”

Bol is averaging 13.5 points, 7.9 rebounds, and 2.0 blocks per game thus far this season. He is also shooting an astounding 60.1% from the field and 41.9% from beyond the arc.

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