NBA: Orlando Magic waive big man Bol Bol

FILE– Bol Bol #10 of the Orlando Magic. –Elsa/Getty Images/AFP

MANILA, Philippines—In a move that raised eyebrows, the Orlando Magic waived promising big man Bol Bol, the team announced Wednesday.

The 7-foot-2 Bol appeared in 70 games for the Magic last season and averaged 9.1 points, 5.8 rebounds and 1.2 blocks in 21.5 minutes.

Bol, who was selected 44th overall by the Miami Heat in the 2019 NBA Draft, also shot 54.6 percent from the field in his first and only season with the Magic.

PRESS RELEASE:@OrlandoMagic waive F/C Bol Bol #MagicTogether pic.twitter.com/LUcl8volDq

— Orlando Magic PR (@Magic_PR) July 4, 2023

The 23-year-old American-Sudanese played his first three seasons with the Denver Nuggets before the Magic acquired his services.

Sparingly used by the Nuggets, Bol was finally able to display his versatility, including his guard-like handles and shooting touch from the outside, with the Magic.

BOL BOL has been waived 👀 pic.twitter.com/B44QKK6GQM

— Ballislife.com (@Ballislife) July 4, 2023

The Magic opting not to retain Bol drew mixed reactions among NBA fans, including hopeful Filipinos who hope Kai Sotto could fill in that roster spot.

The 7-foot-3 Sotto is part of Orlando’s 22-man roster for the NBA Summer League where the Magic will open their campaign against the Detroit Pistons on Sunday.

Orlando has also recently resigned two of their big men in Mo Wagner and Goga Bitadze.