By Jordan Long
The Denver Nuggets decided to make a trade. They dealt Bol Bol to the Detroit Pistons for Rodney McGruder and a 2nd-round selection in the 2022 NBA Draft. The Nuggets are expected to sign DeMarcus Cousins to a 10-day contract which left Bol Bol as the odd man out.
Bol Bol was never a consistent part of the Denver Nuggets’ rotation. He appeared in 14 games this season playing when the Nuggets were either being blown out or had a large comfortable lead. He averaged 5.8 minutes while scoring 2.4 points per game. On the defensive side, he didn’t play defense. Bol Bol grabbed 1.4 rebounds per game.
In his young career, Bol Bol played in 53 games. He averaged 6.2 minutes, 1.2 rebounds, and 2.7 points per game. The Nuggets didn’t see his play improve nor did Bol Bol develop his game with them. They tried to have him as the future backup center but it didn’t work out. The Nuggets decided it was best to trade him since they are most likely going to have DeMarcus Cousins as their backup center to Jokic. Bol Bol now has a fresh start with the Pistons.
The Pistons are expected to give Bol Bol more minutes than the Nuggets did even though he will be buried in the depth chart. Their starting center is Isiah Stewart. The backup for him is Trey Lyles. After that, he might get a chance to play. The Pistons are young and building so Bol Bol should at least receive a look to see what he can do on the basketball court.
For the Nuggets they at least received something back for him. Rodney McGruder is going to be another guy the Nuggets can place in the rotation. He may be on the floor during blowouts. McGruder can at least score baskets. In his 6 year NBA career, McGruder averages 5.6 points per game.
Denver knew they had to let Bol Bol go. They tried to play him and it just didn’t work out. Denver hopes when they sign DeMarcus Cousins he will be the player to add size and help the second unit since they haven’t played well all year.
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