Wiz of Awes
Fansided

Washington Wizards: Grading every offseason move

By Cem Yolbulan

SAN FRANCISCO, CALIFORNIA - FEBRUARY 13: Bradley Beal #3 of the Washington Wizards drives to the basket against Jordan Poole #3 of the Golden State Warriors in the third quarter at Chase Center on February 13, 2023 in San Francisco, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Lachlan Cunningham/Getty Images)
SAN FRANCISCO, CALIFORNIA - FEBRUARY 13: Bradley Beal #3 of the Washington Wizards drives to the basket against Jordan Poole #3 of the Golden State Warriors in the third quarter at Chase Center on February 13, 2023 in San Francisco, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Lachlan Cunningham/Getty Images) /
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(Photo by Jamie Squire/Getty Images)
(Photo by Jamie Squire/Getty Images) /

Drafting Bilal Coulibaly with the no. 7 pick

Grade: A

The only reason this grade is not an A+ is the fact that the Wizards had to trade up to no.7 from no.8 to draft him, having to give up two second-round picks in the process.

Otherwise, this is exactly the high-upside, big-swing pick the Wizards needed. The Wizards finally swung for the fences by selecting the 18-year-old Frenchman, instead of selecting ready-to-contribute older college players like they did for years.

Coulibaly is a raw prospect, and he may not be amazing from the get-go. But, he has shown enough flashes in the Summer League to warrant this pick. He is already a dangerous defender both on the perimeter and around the rim. He has great athletic and physical tools, and if he can add to his offensive game, he can be a star in the league.

For the first few years, he will likely be a defense-first wing. As he adds a jump shot and improves his passing and ball-handling, he will become a two-way player. He is already a very good transition threat.

This is an ideal situation for both sides. The Wizards have time and patience and can offer Coulibaly ample playing time and growth opportunities.

Especially considering the fact that both the Thompson twins and Anthony Black were off the table when it was the Wizards’ turn to draft, selecting the prospect with the highest upside left made the most sense.

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