Heading into next season, Brian Keefe has a handful of new weapons at his disposal.
Between the incoming rookie class headlined by Tre Johnson and Will Riley, veteran addition of CJ McCollum and high-upside swing on Cam Whitmore through the trade market, Washington's depth chart looks much deeper heading into next season.
Not to mention, Washington has a lot riding on the second-year leap's of Alex Sarr, Bub Carrington and even Kyshawn George.
Even the development of Bilal Coulibaly is an essential piece to the team's rebuilding moving forward.
In fact, Coulibaly's development was set to be a key to the Wizards lineup next season, with the French product set to be the Wizards' starting small forward next season.
The oversized guard's length at six-foot-eight, mixed with his defensive instincts and seemingly improved offensive game excited Washington about his potential to step into the role in the front court next season alongside the team's revamped backcourt.
However, after an underwhelming showing in EuroBasket was capped off with a thumb injury that not only required surgery, but now has put the French product in position to miss the start of the 2025-26 season with a return timeline listed at 6-8 weeks.
Obviously, injuries are never anything to celebrate, but every now and then there's some positives to take away from the setback.
Although Coulibaly's injury is a setback for both him and his development with the Wizards; there's a real possibility that his early absence could put Kyshawn George in position to have a monster sophomore season.
The former first-round pick impressed as a rookie this past season with the Wizards, where he quickly proved that his versatility could allow for him to be a key piece for Washington for year's to come.
Whether as a sixth man, reliable role player or adequate starter, George seemed like his role on Brian Keefe's roster was settled.
Nonetheless, after a huge showing in Summer League, where the Miami product showed off his improved jumper and playmaking ability, there seemed like the potential for his role to grow even larger heading into his sophomore season.
Now, with Coulibaly set to miss the start of the season, there's a real chance that George is called upon by Keefe to fill his role in the starting lineup courtesy of his progress and familiarity of the system.
If that is the case, George could be poised for a huge breakout season.