Updated July 23rd, 2020 at 16:38 IST

Nuggets' Bol Bol drug tested after strong 16-point performance during scrimmage vs Wizards

The NBA announced a random Bol Bol drug test after the 20-year-old Denver Nuggets rookie dominated the scrimmage against Washington Wizards and dropped 16 pts.

Reported by: Devika Pawar
| Image:self
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Denver Nuggets and Washington Wizards resumed their 2019-20 season by playing their first of three inter-squad scrimmages on Wednesday (Thursday IST). Nuggets rookie Bol Bol dominated the game by dropping 16 points, 10 rebounds and six blocks during the Nuggets' 98-82 win over the Wizards. However, the league called for a 'random' drug test following Bol Bol's performance.

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The Nuggets resumed their season with an unusual line-up which had Nikola Jokic at point guard. However, 20-year-old center Bol Bol proved his versatility while on the court as he dropped three-pointers, defended the rim and made an impressive assist on a fast break. The University of Oregon product and son of NBA icon Manute Bol missed the 2019-20 season due to a foot injury and made his debut at the NBA bubble. 

The Sudan native made an impact early in the game as he blocked a shot, grabbed the rebound and ran a one-man fast break before hitting a neat three-pointer halfway through the first period. He even showed off a Euro step in transition, though he missed the following layup. However, the seven-footer rebounded his own missed layup and dunked. Fans praised the rookie for his impressive performance and reacted to the NBA's decision to conduct a drug test. Many believe that a 20-year-old can easily play well, and wanted the league to stop terming the tests a 'random'. 

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The Nuggets drafted Bol as the 44th pick in 2019. While his limited time with Oregon showed off some of his skill, his injury halted his stint with the Ducks after nine games while he was averaging 21 points, 9.6 rebounds and 2.7 blocks. The Nuggets will play their second scrimmage against New Orleans Pelicans on July 25 (July 26 IST). 

(Image source: NBA official site)

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Published July 23rd, 2020 at 16:38 IST