One of the few consistently positive things for the Washington Wizards so far this season has certainly been rookie Bilal Coulibaly’s performance. Through the first seventeen games of the season, the No. 7 overall pick has been one of the most impressive rookies in the league. Despite being 19 years old with minimal high-level basketball experience, Coulibaly has made an impact every time he stepped on the court. His offensive game has been better than advertised, but his calling card continues to be his defense.
Coulibaly’s defensive prowess was on full display in last night’s matchup against the Detroit Pistons. Finishing the game with two steals and a block, the French swingman showed why the sky is the limit for him. He was active, engaged, and disciplined while bothering defenders with his length and athleticism. Just take a look at this steal.
Look at Bilal Coulibaly pic.twitter.com/L2lVhWaXmU
— Brett Usher (@UsherNBA) November 28, 2023
He helps right on time and recovers back to his man while staying active with his hands before reading the play perfectly to steal the ball and take it coast to coast.
His defensive playmaking doesn’t end there. He demonstrates his ability to recover quickly and cover a lot of ground in rim protection plays as well. His block on Pistons big man James Wiseman is the perfect example.
Bilal Coulibaly blocks 6-11 James Wiseman at the rim 😳pic.twitter.com/qYulkyKO43
— Hoop District (@Hoop_District) November 28, 2023
He is responsible for guarding the 6’11 roll man in a pick-and-roll action. Coulibaly executes the drop coverage like an experienced rim-protecting center. He goes on to swat the ball out of Wiseman’s hands who has five inches and 45 pounds on him.
As impressive as these plays were, Coulibaly seemingly has one like these every single game. As ordinary as he makes these plays seem, his athleticism is extraordinary, especially on this team with minimal athleticism. He already has 16 steals and 13 blocks in 16 games. As he gets stronger and adapts more to the NBA game, there is no reason he can’t continue putting up these defensive stats.
Bilal Coulibaly has the rare combination of length, athleticism, and defensive instincts that should make him a formidable defender in the league for a long time. He works hard, plays the right way, and has a great attitude. Those are the building blocks of a star. It’s up to the Washington Wizards organization to mold him into one.
Wizards rookie Bilal Coulibaly has the endorsement of a two-time MVP
In his first matchup against the two-time MVP Giannis Antetokounmpo, the Washington Wizards' rookie Bilal Coulibaly stood out.