Bilal Coulibaly has taken a significant leap in his second NBA season, embracing a larger offensive role while maintaining his defensive intensity. The 20-year-old Washington Wizards wing has doubled his touch-time average and increased his production across the board.
Through 56 games, Coulibaly is averaging 12.4 points, 4.9 rebounds, and 3.4 assists in 33.4 minutes per contest. His playmaking has notably improved, as his potential assists per game have jumped from 3.1 in his rookie season to 6.6.
“Work a lot and just confidence [have led to that growth],” Coulibaly told Spencer Davies of RG. “Confidence from my teammates, confidence from myself, coaches giving me the ball. I know I can create, so it’s just me and my aggressiveness.”
One area of concern has been his three-point shooting. After making 34.6% of his threes last season, his percentage has dropped to 27.7% on four attempts per game.
Despite the dip, Coulibaly has altered his shot profile, taking more pull-up jumpers and creating his own looks rather than relying solely on catch-and-shoot opportunities. His efficiency improved in February when he shot 35% from deep over 11 games.
“It just makes the game way easier when I’m knocking down my shots ’cause guys gotta close out, and then I can just drive, create for me and be a playmaker for my teammates too,” Coulibaly said.
Beyond his offensive development, Coulibaly continues to embrace his defensive responsibilities. He has been tasked with guarding opponents’ primary scorers on 45% of Washington’s defensive possessions.
“I mean, I love it,” Coulibaly said. “That’s all I ask for. I’m a competitor, so playing defense against the best guys is all I need, man. It just gets me going in games too offensively, so that’s how I get locked in.”
His defensive impact is evident in matchup data. In 28 minutes against Trae Young, he has held the Hawks star to 5-of-28 shooting while forcing 10 turnovers. Against Jayson Tatum, he has limited the Celtics forward to 7-of-20 shooting with no made threes in eight attempts.
Even elite scorers like Stephen Curry (7-for-18) and Anthony Edwards (6-for-15) have struggled against Coulibaly’s length and quickness.
Despite his defensive success, Coulibaly sees room for improvement. “Defensively, I can be more active. I think I can get a couple more steals and play with my arms a lot more ’cause I got long arms,” he said.
Washington added Khris Middleton and Marcus Smart at the trade deadline, providing much-needed veteran leadership for a young roster. Both players have taken Coulibaly under their wing.
Smart, a former Defensive Player of the Year, has helped him refine his off-ball defense. “He’s been teaching me a lot… I was fouling too much, putting both hands on the players, and he gave me a couple tips, so I’m way better now,” Coulibaly said.
Jordan Poole, now in his sixth season, has also built a strong relationship with the young wing. “Man, as soon as I got here, he moved his locker next to mine,” Coulibaly said. “He’s been to Paris and we’ve been together in Paris too. That’s just my guy.”
The Wizards (12-49) have the worst record in the NBA, but Coulibaly remains focused on development. With an expanding offensive arsenal and elite defensive potential, he continues to be a bright spot in Washington’s rebuilding process.
