The Miami Heat have a tendency to bring in hidden gems and make them contributors and they might have another chance to do so. With the team still in need of a consistent backup center, one name that remains in free agency is one worth paying attention to: Bol Bol.

Bol’s NBA experience has been far from smooth so far. But standing 7’3″ and possessing guard-like skills, his upside is a different narrative. Should Miami take a roll of the dice? NBA legend Manute Bol’s son Bol Bol is not your typical big man. Standing 7-foot-3 with a long wingspan, Bol possesses shot-blocking ability and a smooth-as-silk shooting stroke, not qualities that typically exist in players his size.

With the Phoenix Suns in the last season, Bol Bol gave indications of what he could do. He averaged 6.8 points and 2.9 rebounds on limited minutes, with around 34% three-point shooting. He had a coming-out party in February with 18 points and 14 rebounds in a start, which impressed coach Mike Budenholzer and players such as Devin Booker.

But health and reliability are question marks. Bol has fought through chronic foot injuries since college, and he’s been unable to get a consistent spot in the rotation of a team. However, at 25 years old, he may still be scratching the surface of what he could become.

The Heat’s frontcourt rotation is already built around Bam Adebayo, one of the most versatile defenders in the league. But behind him, there isn’t much depth.

Miami’s system thrives on defense, hustle, and versatility. They’ve often turned to small-ball lineups, but in certain matchups especially in the playoffs, they need length, rim protection, and rebounding off the bench. Bol Bol, in theory, checks those boxes.

There’s always a fit question with Miami. Erik Spoelstra’s system demands accountability, effort, and defensive intelligence. Bol has the ability, but he hasn’t proved yet that he can consistently provide that.

That said, there’s reason to believe Miami’s development system could bring out the best in him. The Heat have a long history of taking on raw players, Duncan Robinson, Gabe Vincent, Max Strus and molding them into contributors. If Bol buys in, he could blossom in Miami’s structure.

From a salary cap perspective, it’s not a gamble. Bol earned a minimum-salary vet with the Suns last season. Miami can likely bring him aboard for the same figure without jeopardizing future flexibility. If it fails, they’re gone. If not, they might have a rotation piece in their hands.

With his size need and the low financial risk, the Heat should most certainly sign Bol Bol to a one-year, non-guaranteed or incentive-laden contract. He’s not a lock, but he’s a potential upside with a skillset that could perhaps complement the roster they currently possess.

Miami needs depth. Bol needs minutes. This could be a win-win—if both are on board.

What do you guys think, Heat fans? Should Pat Riley and the front office roll the dice on Bol Bol? Sound off in the comments!