Washington Wizards rookie Bilal Coulibaly’s season has been cut short due to a right wrist fracture.
Still, in 63 games, the 19-year-old has had encouraging flashes. On offense, he’s alternated between a role as a 3-point specialist and as a connector. From the outset, he’s exhibited exceptional defensive potential. He’s even taken the challenge of guarding the opponent’s best player.
Wizards Reveal Offseason, Olympics Plans for Bilal Coulibaly
This summer, Coulibaly —who prides himself on film study —will likely emphasize the learning aspect of his development.
Once he gets his brace taken off, Coulibaly should be able to add upper body strength. Indeed, Wizards interim head coach Brian Keefe believes that “he’s going to have a tremendous offseason,” per Monumental Sports Network’s Chase Hughes.
“And he can start that right away with some parts of his game and work on his body.” — Brian Keefe
Meanwhile, elder statesman Anthony Gill has (and had) plenty of advice to offer Coulibaly.
The 31-year-old is on a path that’s seen him having a standout collegiate career at Virginia before going undrafted in 2016. Unable to muster more than a Summer League invite, Gill had a three-season stint in the EuroLeague. Only afterward did Gill make it to the league. He’s spent all four of his NBA seasons with the Wizards.
With that experience comes a journeyman perspective. One that emphasizes the importance of discipline and determination. Though Coulibaly was drafted seventh overall, it’s a viewpoint that would serve him well. After all, he was drafted so highly due to potential rather than his baseline.
“It’s super important for him,” Gill says of Coulibaly’s upcoming offseason. “…Your rookie year, people just expect you to be a rookie. You can’t make those same mistakes as a second-year player.”
“There’s still going to be growth… an opportunity to learn,” Gill continues. “But this offseason is going to be very important for him getting stronger and understanding his body more, understanding the game and getting more confident…”
Paris Olympics
Corey Kispert chimed in as well. Drafted 15th overall by the Wizards in the 2021 NBA Draft, Kispert entered the league as a 3-point specialist. However, he’s developed his ability to attack the rim this season.
“You’ve gotta really take charge of who you want to be as a player,” Kispert says.
“I know he’s going to play for his national team in the Olympics and that’s going to be huge for his development and his growth.”
“You’re not a rookie anymore,” he continues.
“You know what you need to work on and it’s the summertime when you can make the big jumps… I’m really excited to see what he can put together and the kind of year he will have in his second year.”
Kispert’s mention of Coulibaly playing in the Paris Olympics is notable.
The upcoming Summer Olympics will be an opportunity to check Coulibaly’s developmental progress. That said, international tournaments often function as a career springboard. Multiple NBA players have left Olympic or FIBA competitions and had one of their best seasons immediately afterward.
With Joel Embiid defecting to Team USA for the Olympic Games, Coulibaly may be in position for more minutes or a larger role. The Saint-Claude native’s biggest challenge will be becoming a better ball-handler and building muscle to improve his slashing ability. France offering Coulibaly a role as an on-ball playmaker goes a long way towards his development as well.
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