Magic Ex Bol Bol Better Than Victor Wembanyama?!

Former NBA All-Star Tim Hardaway Sr. says that San Antonio Spurs No. 1 pick Victor Wembanyama isn't on the same level as former Orlando Magic big man Bol Bol.

Author:
Grant Afseth
Publish date:
Jul 22, 2023 4:00 PM EDT

In this story:

Orlando Magic

The Orlando Magic cut Bol Bol earlier this month, but one NBA Hall-of-Famer thinks it may have been a mistake.

During an appearance on The Carton Show, former NBA star Tim Hardaway Sr. went a far to say that Bol is a better player than No. 1 overall pick Wembanyama, while also mispronouncing the rookie's name.

"I think he's better than Victor Waba Ma, or whatever his name is," Hardaway said.

The reasoning that Hardaway provided for Bol being a superior talent right now is that Bol, who signed with the Phoenix Suns, is a "better physical talent" compared to Wembanyama.

"Bol Bol has better physical talent and ready to play in the NBA right now than Victor is," Hardaway said.

Standing 7-2 with a 7-8 wingspan, Bol's flashes of potential are filled with rare abilities for someone his size. He can attack downhill and glide through the paint with creativity and he can shoot pull-up jump shots like a guard. However, he has been unable to turn that into consistent impact.

Among Bol's challenges to find a niche in the NBA include the challenges his physical profile present as far as being a functional defender. He is too thin to anchor a defense despite having the height and length to do so. Meanwhile, he isn't laterally quick enough to handle guarding in space.

In addition to having shortcomings on defense, Bol has yet to achieve consistency as a complementary offensive player. He's not fluid enough doing the typically responsibilities of a big man, particularly screening. His perimeter skills have dazzled in highlight reels, but the results are too inconsistent to be relied upon. All of those reasons led to the Magic cutting Bol.

While Wembanyama will need to get stronger, he's a more coordinated and generally talented player than Bol. He has shown capable of being a rim protector, along with an impactful defender in space. He's also a more talented all-around offensive player. The comparison leaves out a significant amount of context.

Grant Afseth is an NBA reporter primarily covering the Dallas Mavericks, but also the San Antonio Spurs, Houston Rockets, New York Knicks, and Orlando Magic for FanNation, as well as the league at larger for NBA Analysis Network. He previously covered the Indiana Pacers and NBA for CNHI's Kokomo Tribune and various NBA teams for USA TODAY Sports Media Group.