Wizards regret in drafting Bilal Coulibaly grows after the Olympics

The Washington Wizards are entering year two of a total rebuild. They are focused on developing young talent and maximizing their draft capital. Do not be surprised to see the Wizards shop veterans like Malcolm Brogdon before the deadline. Washington wants the best odds at Cooper Flagg and the talented 2025 draft class, but should fans already be worried about their draft record?

Alex Sarr had a dismal performance at summer league, including a game where he missed all 15 of his shots. It is a worrying start for the number two overall pick. The Wizards second lottery pick drew rave reviews in Vegas, but Sarr is the second top selection struggling to make an impact.

Washington traded up to select Bilal Coulibaly in the 2023 draft. The seventh overall pick played significant minutes as a rookie but failed to impress. The Wizards hoped for a second-year breakout, which made his performance for the hosts in the 2024 Olympics more disappointing.

Bilal Coulibaly’s Olympic struggles should be concerning for the Wizards

It was the 6’6 wing's first time representing the Senior French National Team. He played in the U18 European Championships in 2022, but was taking a step up in competition.

France needed guards to step up in Paris. They had Victor Wembanyama and Rudy Gobert anchoring their units. Fans knew Nicolas Batum would play a key role, but the French had questions about their creators and wings throughout their run.

Things did not start well for the hosts. They struggled mightily in exhibition play leading up to the Olympics but found their stride at the games. France won two of their three group games before making a surprise run to the gold medal contest.

Coulibaly barely played in the Olympics. The 20-year-old averaged 2.4 points, 1.4 rebounds, 0.6 assists, and 0.4 blocks in 11.4 minutes per game. He appeared in five of their six games but played the second-fewest minutes on their 12-man roster. Nando de Colo was the only one to play less.

France was playing Isaia Cordinier, Frank Ntilikina, and Andrew Albicy over Coulibaly when the games mattered most. Not a great sign when non-NBA players are playing significant roles, and the Wizards' top-ten pick is on the bench. There was a real opportunity for Coulibaly to break out, but he was not ready in Paris.

The Wizards are focusing on development, so fans should expect Bilal Coulibaly to get significant minutes. He produced the 11th-worst value over replacement player (VORP) in the NBA as a rookie. Can the 20-year-old round out his game and hold his own in year two? It is a significant ask on a young squad, but Washington must see growth.

It is a crucial year for Coulibaly. The Washington Wizards added three first-round draft picks this offseason and are ready to start building their core. Can the 6’6 wing prove he is a building block? His Olympic performance was not the start anyone hoped for, but growth is not always linear. The opportunity will be there, and it is on Coulibaly to seize it.