Wiz of Awes
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Bilal Coulibaly’s second-year leap could be the key to the Wizards' success

Bilal Coulibaly is impressing early.

By John Canady

Oct 30, 2024; Washington, District of Columbia, USA; Washington Wizards guard Bilal Coulibaly (0) dunks the ball against the Atlanta Hawks in the second half at Capital One Arena. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-Imagn Images
Oct 30, 2024; Washington, District of Columbia, USA; Washington Wizards guard Bilal Coulibaly (0) dunks the ball against the Atlanta Hawks in the second half at Capital One Arena. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-Imagn Images / Geoff Burke-Imagn Images
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The Washington Wizards entered the season with little to no expectations. Between their young roster, rookie head coach, and a mixture of veterans that initially didn’t seem to fit the timeline, the team looked poised to make a push atop the Cooper Flagg sweepstakes.

However, after a 2-2 start to the season, the Wizards sit at .500 and continue to look like one of the surprise teams to start the year. Despite the lack of optimism surrounding the team at the start, Washington’s young players have rallied together behind Brian Keefe and their early success could be the start of something bigger.

Along the way of the underrated start, the team has seen several players rise to the occasion. But perhaps the biggest player to make a leap this year and contribute early is second-year man Bilal Coulibaly.

Bilal Coulibaly is emerging in front of our eyes

Coulibaly opened the season with eyes on him to take a leap in his second season with the Wizards. After being drafted No. 7 overall last year, the French product showed glimpses all season long of what he could develop into. With many hoping the guard could take the second-year leap to boost the rebuild of the organization.

Through three games, the 20-year-old looks to be doing exactly that. Averaging 18.8 points, 5.8 rebounds and 2.8 assists on 59.1% shooting from field goal range and 42.1% from three, Coulibaly has emerged as one of the top scoring options for the Wizards.

In addition to his quick start on offense, the lengthy defender has proven to be a factor on the opposite end of the court as well. The guard is averaging 1.5 steals per game through the start as the most reliable defender for the Wizards.

The Wizards' quick start to the season has been largely related to Coulibaly’s emergence in Washington. While the team may not be an immediate thought for a playoff contender or even a play-in team, their early success should be monitored as the backcourt in Washington continues to impress.

Regardless of how this season ends with missing the postseason, the team has their focus on the development of their future cornerstones. And if that means the Wizards miss the playoffs but Coulibaly looks ready to lead the team, that will be a success on its own.

However, it’s worth mentioning that Coulibaly’s success alone could lead to more wins than originally expected.

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