Since the NBA introduced two-way contracts in the 2017 Collective Bargaining Agreement, no rookie drafted higher than No. 49 has signed one. However, Nuggets center Bol Bol – this year’s No. 44 overall pick – appears likely to fill one of Denver’s two-way slots, a source tells Nick Kosmider of The Athletic.
The Nuggets currently have an open spot on their projected 15-man regular season roster, as well as two open two-way contract slots. While it’s possible Bol will sign a standard deal and become Denver’s 15th man, Kosmider suggests the team seems content to keep that roster spot open for now, perhaps saving it for a third point guard, a trade deadline acquisition, or another purpose.
As Kosmider explains, Bol may not be ready to make an NBA impact as a rookie, since he missed much of last year with a left foot injury and still needs to put on weight. If he were on a two-way deal, he’d be able to work with the Nuggets’ development coaches and training staff while coming along slowly in the G League. If he shows he’s capable of contributing at the NBA level, the 7’2″ youngster could be elevated to the standard roster.
The Nuggets have a history of promoting promising two-way players to their standard roster — Torrey Craig and Monte Morris, who are now key rotation pieces in Denver, spent the 2017/18 season on two-way deals.
Still, signing a two-way contract (which has a base salary starting at about $80K) would be a disappointing turn of events for Bol, who was considered a probable lottery pick at this time last year. If his camp is resisting a two-way deal, that may explain why he’s one of just four 2019 draftees who is still unsigned.
Even if Bol signs a two-way contract, it remains to be seen how the Nuggets will fill their second two-way slot, writes Kosmider. Mike Singer of The Denver Post suggests that Tyler Cook will likely get a two-way deal, while Kosmider believes that other training camp invitees, including PJ Dozier, may get the opportunity to compete for that spot.
Probably not what he expected when he bailed on Oregon so quickly and stopped attending classes almost immediately after the injury.
80,000 is still a lot more than 0.
Are you saying Bol Bol can go both ways?
He could also be Bol Bol, if you wanted to be scandalous.
What happens if he doesn’t sign? Do the Nuggets hold his rights or ?
The Nuggets would have to submit a “required tender” (a one-year contract offer) to retain his NBA rights. He could accept it, but it’d be worth the minimum and would likely be non-guaranteed (and he’d still be a restricted free agent in a year).
Honest question: Does Tacko Fall have more or less upside than Bol? Seems like Tacko might have been a better draft bet.
They’re not in the same universe talent-wise. Tacko’s just a huge dude with some touch near the bucket. Bol’s a basketball player. Excellent 3 point shooter, passer and shot blocker.
Tacko’s a huge good dude though. Not saying Bol is a bad one; not sure. But historically, tall floaters think they can get by with less.
Honestly I think this is where the 2-way contract will end up, especially with the change in the age restriction.