Wizards former first-round pick out four to six weeks with hamstring strain

According to Josh Robbins of The Athletic, Wizards officials say Coulibaly was diagnosed with a hamstring strain after undergoing an MRI.

While he hasn’t been formally ruled out for the rest of the season, Washington’s schedule concludes on April 13 — four-and-a-half weeks from now — and the team says the injury will be treated conservatively. Reading between the lines, Coulibaly has likely played his last game of 2024-25.

The injury, which was original labeled a hip contusion, will not require surgery, per Robbins. Coulibaly is expected to remain with the Wizards as he recuperates, Robbins adds.

Coulibaly was the seventh overall pick of the 2023 draft after playing with friend Victor Wembanyama on Metropolitans 92 in France during the 2022-23 campaign. He was one of the youngest players in the class, as he didn’t turn 19 until a month after he was selected.

Coulibaly averaged 12.3 points, 5.0 rebounds, 3.4 assists, 1.3 steals and 0.7 blocks in 59 games during his second season. He started each appearance, averaging 33.0 MPG, with a shooting slash line of .421/.281/.746.

It’s a disappointing end to Coulibaly’s season, particularly after his rookie campaign also ended early due to injury — he suffered a right wrist fracture last March, ultimately appearing in 63 games in 2023-24.

Coulibaly, who won a silver medal at the 2024 Paris Olympics as a role player for France, was named to the Rising Stars event at All-Star Weekend this season. While his efficiency took a hit in 2024-25 due to a more difficult shot profile, the Wizards reportedly remain bullish on his upside.