Shaquille O’Neal Suffers “Asthma Attack” on Live TV as Bol Bol Redeems Bold Bandwagon

Bol Bol was back in the Suns rotation this week. We know his biggest fan was the happiest. Shaquille O’Neal had his moments of hyping his son’s former teammate when the Phoenix Suns hosted Giannis Antetokounmpo’s squad today. Bol Bol tallied four points, 1 assist and 6 rebounds in 17 minutes. But he facilitated some thrilling moments that made the home crowd cheer for him.

A replay of Bol Bol’s game on TNT had Shaq screaming “Bol Bol,” which made him break into a coughing fit. Adam Lefkoe said, “this one’s for Shaq,” and probably regretted it when O’Neal’s excitement got the better of him. “Bol Bol’s causing Shaq to have an asthma attack,” Lefkoe further explained. Lucky for the Bol Bol superfan, TNT has made Jamal Crawford a permanent fixture of the Tuesday panel. So he continued lowkey screaming “Bol Bol,” in the Shaq-tone but without losing his breath.

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Bol missed 10 straight games because of a sore foot. The Sudanese big was cleared to play on Friday but Coach Frank Vogel held him out of rotation for a bit longer. He came off the bench at fourth quarter on Sunday’s game. He made eight points in 15 minutes in the 140-112 win against the Washington Wizards. That game made him a worthy backup against the Bucks.

Frank Vogel had a similar sentiment today when he expressed they’re experimenting what it’s like giving Bol Bol more minutes. He called him entertaining to watch which it sure was today.

Bol Bol makes Shaquille O’Neal’s case

‘The Big Aristotle’ said on The Big Podcast that “Bol Bol is lazy, but Bol Bol can do everything Wemby can do and even a little better.” Bol responded to his hypeman and former AAU coach, “I honestly don’t pay attention to any of that stuff.” But he was determined to prove to Shaq that he’s not lazy.

At this game Bol did the sassiest underhand scoop to score over Bucks’ AJ Green, which thrilled Shaq. Another moment he ran coast to coast to block Green’s attempt at a three from the corner. Not to rub it in but Green had a scoreless 13 minutes today. Even WNBA champ, Candace Parker was colored impressed with the Bol Bol finger roll.

The comparison to Victor Wembanyama is still hard to swallow. But fans are starting to see Shaq’s point. The longer he plays the more spectacles he delivers. Bol’s name sporadically came up in trade rumors but Vogel is dismissive about it. He’s keener on giving Jusuf Nurkic and Bol Bol more time with the ‘Big 3.’ As more convert to the Shaq-led ‘Bolwagon,’ where do you sit on the center’s potential?

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