This NBA player was such a good defender that he averaged more blocks than points per game for his career.
Usually, NBA superstars who reach immense popularity in the eyes of fans are a huge threat on the offensive end of the floor.
However, many NBA greats made a living while dominating on the other end of the floor. Be it Dikembe Mutombo, Dennis Rodman or Hakeem Olajuwon.
NBA fans are aware of their achievements during their illustrious careers, but for a change, let’s focus on an NBA role player who achieved something extremely rare.
Today, the NBA is full of talented overseas players. In fact, no American-born player has won the NBA MVP trophy since 2018.
But back in 1985 when Manute Bol was drafted, it was rare for overseas players to have a long spell in the NBA. While Bol wasn’t a superstar by any means, he enjoyed a decade-long career during arguably the toughest era in the league.
At 7’7″ Bol also remains one of the tallest players to ever grace the hardwood. Evidently, he was a beast on the defensive end of the floor, being a 2x NBA blocks champion.
However, the most outstanding feat that Bol achieved in his career reflects on his averages after his 10-year journey in the league.
Bol averaged 2.6 points, 4.2 rebounds, and 0.3 assists per game for his career. Wait, there’s more! Well, he also averaged 3.3 blocks per game over 624 matchups.
Yes, the late NBA great, who also holds the tied-record (Shaquille O’Neal) for most blocks in a single game(15), averaged more BPG than PPG for his career. As of now, he remains the only player in NBA history to achieve this milestone.
While Manute retired in 1995, the Bol family is still active in the league. Manute’s son, Bol Bol, is currently a member of the Phoenix Suns and shares the court with 2x NBA champion Kevin Durant.
The former second-overall pick is listed at 7’3″, but he doesn’t share his late father’s flair for swatting away shots. Six years into his career, Bol Bol is averaging 0.8 blocks per game.
On the contrary, he is much better equipped to score than his father, as he averaged 6.2 points per game. As for his place in the NBA, Bol Bol may find a long-term deal with the Suns if KD stays with the team.
After all, it’s obvious that Durant has taken a liking to the 25-year-old, who was promoted to a start by the Suns amid the terrible 2024-25 NBA season.
