The Washington Wizards haven’t been at full strength to start the season. While some players have had day-to-day injuries like rookie wing Tre Johnson, the same can’t be said for Wizards forward Bilal Coulibaly. Heading into the team’s fifth game of the season, Coulibaly is debuting his first season potentially on the chopping block.
Bilal Coulibaly Healthy, Boom Or Bust Season Starts Thursday
Coulibaly has been out since September after tearing a thumb ligament during EuroBasket 2025. The injury required surgery, and led to him missing training camp, preseason, and the first week of 2025-26. Prior to that, Coulibaly arguably had a starting spot secured. Now four games in, the lineup could get messy with his return.
Yesterday, Coulibaly was asked several questions about his conditioning, offseason work, and what he’s noticed the team needs are with him off the court. He said he feels “really good” (h/t Monumental Sports Network reporter Bijan Todd) and in shape, both fantastic pieces of information. This is the best thing to hear for a team that has struggled on the defensive side of the ball. Through four games, the Wizards are 26th in defensive rating and 29th in opponents’ points per game. However, there are both positives and concerns for Coulibaly entering his third NBA season.
Positives For Coulibaly
While Coulibaly’s EuroBasket campaign was rough, there’s still time for him to secure his spot on Washington’s future roster. He had a solid rookie season, then slightly regressed in areas that he should’ve seen improvement in his second season. After two years in the NBA, he’s averaging 10.3 points, 4.5 rebounds, 2.5 assists, with 1.1 steals in 122 appearances.
Much like the majority of the roster, Coulibaly has suffered from the consistency issue. His 3-point percentage was the most glaring issue, dropping from 34.6% in 2023-24 to 28.1% in 2024-25. However, there’s optimism that he can figure it out.
Furthermore, with the way Washington has started this season, he doesn’t need to be an offensive focal point. Instead, he can take a minor role. The weapons surrounding him will be important, no doubt. But with his defensive impact, Washington can load offensive-minded players like Johnson and CJ McCollum around him. In turn, they would be able to hide Coulibaly’s weaknesses on offense.
Concerns Are There
Overall, concerns are there about Coulibaly. His offseason wasn’t great, and now he’s contending for minutes after some players started really strong. Coulibaly either will sink or float this season. Even with the team really needing him, there’s no guarantee he’s going to come out and be a better version of himself.
Coulibaly could be seen as a fence player, meaning he could be a trade asset as the season progresses. He’s been solid for the Wizards, no doubt. Yet, if he continues regressing or doesn’t make any notable improvements, he could easily be seen as one of the biggest trade targets in the league towards the deadline.
Keeping that in perspective, Kyshawn George is looking like a true centerpiece of the future. Now the roles are reversed, and Coulibaly may have to earn some of his minutes back from George or one of the other starters. Missing both camp and the preseason were not great for him, and he must now really go out and get it, or risk being shipped out.
There’s hope, but there are also real concerns. The way things stand currently, Coulibaly’s defensive presence is going to be needed. However, he has to figure out his offensive issues before a long-term future can be secured.
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