Shaq has never shied away from showing love to Bol Bol. But at Fan Appreciation Night in Phoenix last night, the fans didn’t get any. Traditionally a time when coaches loosen rotations, fan favorites get their moment, and the atmosphere turns celebratory, the fans made their wish loud and clear: they wanted Bol Bol. The Suns blew out the Spurs by nearly 20 points in their final home game, the crowd was chanting, and the vibes were high. Yet one face on the bench said it all.

He’s been one of the Suns’ most talked-about players—not because of consistent minutes, but because of his cult following. “We want Bol Bol” chants echoed throughout the arena during the fourth quarter, with the Suns up comfortably. Reports indicate Bol was even expected to check in at one point.

But instead, Coach kept Royce O’Neale on the floor. No Bol. Just a long stare from the bench. According to Arizona Republic columnist Greg Moore, when approached postgame,  Bol Bol was “visibly disappointed, but very professional”. He reportedly said he was focused on the final game of the season. But anyone paying attention could read between the lines.

This wasn’t just any game. It was Phoenix’s home finale, and with no playoff hopes left, it was a chance to give the fans—and Bol—a moment. Yet Coach Bud chose continuity over celebration.

When asked, Budenholzer gave a straightforward answer: “Yeah, I mean, you know they cut it to 22 or 20 or 18 or something like that, and just stuck with Royce — kind of the veteran — just to make sure it didn’t get any closer. And Royce had been out there and playing, just love his presence, love what he brings on both ends of the court.” But the stats told another story.

O’Neale went 1-for-6 from the field, 0-for-4 from three, and registered a minus-20 in a 20-point win. Fans and analysts questioned the logic. If you’re up big in a meaningless game, why not reward the fans and give Bol Bol the run? Greg Moore put it plainly: “He would’ve given you 28 in 16 minutes just because it’s the last home game. He’s a fan favorite.”

What does this mean for Bol Bol’s future in Phoenix?

The writing might be on the wall.

Bol Bol, despite moments of brilliance this season, has struggled to carve out a consistent role. While his social media presence is strong, and his name trends regularly among Suns fans, Coach Budenholzer’s actions suggest he may not view Bol as part of the team’s future plans.

Bol started 10 games in February and March and averaged 7.0 points on 52.5% shooting across 35 appearances (credit: ESPN). He showed flashes—including a 25-point night vs. the Pelicans—but was still glued to the bench when the stakes were low.

If Budenholzer didn’t feel comfortable playing Bol in a feel-good, low-pressure home finale, what does that say about his trust in Bol long-term? It might be that the Suns are quietly preparing to move on—or that they see Bol as a marketing piece more than a rotation player.

This moment isn’t happening in a vacuum.

The Suns missed the playoffs with a high payroll and a star-studded roster. Fan frustration is mounting. “Fire Bud” chants were heard online and in the arena. His decision to bench Bol Bol on Fan Appreciation Night—despite chants, sentiment, and logic—added fuel to an already growing fire.

Budenholzer has remained cagey when asked about his job security. “It’s raw. We just lost. It’s been a tough season. There’s been no conversations,” he said after their official elimination.

But make no mistake: decisions like this matter. Especially in a season where morale, image, and fan loyalty are fragile.

And let’s not forget Shaquille O’Neal’s voice in this conversation. The Hall of Famer has long been one of Bol Bol’s most vocal supporters, once declaring, “Bol Bol can do everything Wemby can do—and even a little better… He’s just lazy.” Shaq’s firm belief in Bol’s potential makes this benching sting even more for fans who wanted to see a spark of that talent on display.

Therefore, this wasn’t just a DNP. It was a message—intentional or not. The Suns had nothing to lose, but perhaps something to gain in goodwill, in energy, in fan trust. And yet, the chance was passed. Now, Bol Bol enters the offseason as a question mark, and Coach Bud enters it with louder questions about whether he’s the right man to steer this team forward.

A blowout win felt like a loss in the stands. And that’s never a good sign for anyone involved.