Bol Bol getting opportunities to prove himself with more playing time

Driving the news: Bol got his first start of the season against the Memphis Grizzlies on Tuesday and made the most of it, racking up 18 points and 14 rebounds.

• It was Bol's first start since April 2023, when he was still with the Orlando Magic.
• He started again Wednesday against the Houston Rockets, getting 15 points, four rebounds and two blocks.
• Bol also got 24 minutes on the floor against Utah last week and 33 against his former team the Denver Nuggets, by far the most minutes he'd played in a game all season.

What we're watching: We may be seeing more of Bol soon. Suns head coach Mike Budenholzer said after Tuesday's loss to Memphis, "I think Bol's earned the opportunity. We're looking at pushing this envelope and seeing how he can help us and change the game for us."

• Budenholzer added Bol can help the team with his shot-blocking, rebounding and ability to space the floor and hit 3-pointers.

What they're saying: Suns star Devin Booker on Tuesday described Bol as "a player that we haven't seen before, so you never know what you're gonna get from him out there, and he does a little bit of everything," per PHNX Sports reporter Gerald Bourguet.

Catch up quick: The Suns acquired Bol as a free agent in 2023, signing him to a one-year deal and extending him another year in 2024.

• He's the son of former NBA player Manute Bol.

Jeremy's thought bubble: I've been rooting for Bol to get significant playing time since he got to Phoenix, and I predicted at the start of the 2024-25 season this would be a big year for him.

• My prediction looked like a dud for most of the season, but I'm hoping the past few games are a sign of things to come.
• The Suns need to shake things up. Maybe Bol is the X-factor they need.