Wizards Set To Solve Bilal Coulibaly Conundrum After EuroBasket

Training camp opens in less than a month. Washington must decide Coulibaly’s role.Last season, the rookie started all 59 games. He averaged 12.3 points, five rebounds, and 3.4 assists. His shooting, however, stalled his growth. He hit just 28.1 percent from deep. No wing survives long-term below league-average shooting. He struggled to shoot the ball consistently as his usage rate went up.

Bilal Coulibaly’s future on the Wizards centers on one adjustment: more defense, less offense.

A Changing Roster

Washington’s roster has shifted quickly. Since drafting Coulibaly in 2023, the front office added eight players aged 22 or younger. Even more worryingly, the team now has a crowded frontcourt. Khris Middleton and Corey Kispert fill the same position group.

Touches will be more scarce. Coulibaly must provide value without the ball. On offense, that means cutting, spacing, and attacking when needed. On defense, that means taking on the toughest assignments.

The Defensive Path

Coulibaly has the tools. He has grown to 6-foot-8 with a 7-foot-3 wingspan. His athleticism allows him to contest above the rim. He showed flashes last year when matched against elite scorers.

Still, strength remains an issue. Bigger players pushed him back. Screens trapped him out of plays. Another summer in the weight room may fix that. If he locks in, the Wizards could develop him into their point-of-attack stopper.

Extension Pressure

Time is running faster than it seems. Coulibaly becomes extension eligible in July 2026. The Wizards must decide if he deserves an early deal. Otherwise, restricted free agency looms in 2027.

That path can prove tricky. Ask Cam Thomas. His qualifying offer with Brooklyn has become the cautionary tale. If Coulibaly lingers without improvement, Washington risks a similar headache.

The Bigger Question

The Bilal Coulibaly conundrum is not about one poor tournament. It’s about whether Washington commits to a new role for him. Head coach Brian Keefe must decide: keep experimenting with on-ball duties, or unleash Coulibaly as a defensive cornerstone. Patience is possible. But time and roster spots are not infinite.

Credit:© John E. Sokolowski-Imagn Images