Bilal Coulibaly (2.03 m, 20 years old) is definitely having a roller coaster sophomore year. After a great start to the season then a laborious month of November, it resumed its march forward in December. No. 7 in the 2023 Draft is coming off a very complete month in all statistical categories, even if his marksmanship is still shaky. Over the entire month of December, there are only three players in the NBA to compile at least 14 points, 5 rebounds, 5 assists, 1 interception and 1 block: Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (Thunder), LeBron James (Lakers), and him. He is therefore in excellent company in the middle of two immense superstars.
A unique initiating role
The category where we can see a real evolution is assists. While he had never exceeded 3 units in a month, whether in the NBA or in France, Coulibaly reached the symbolic bar of 5 in December. With impressive regularity, since he managed between 4 and 6 caviars in each of his eleven matches in December. This is thanks to the desire of the Wizards staff to involve him more and more in the heart of the game, but also to the repeated absences of veterans from the squad: Kyle Kuzma, Malcolm Brogdon, Jordan Poole. The team's main ball carriers, the balls reserved for them return to the hands of the young players in their absence. Coulibaly therefore almost found himself in a leadership position at times:
« [Avec l’absence de Jordan Poole] I had to bring the ball up more often, set up the systems and make plays with my teammates. I was like a leader, I liked this experience… I feel like it went pretty well. I just tried to play in tune every time. »
Bilal Coulibaly in a press conference, after the first match against New York (18 points, 6 rebounds, 6 assists)
Objective: become a complete player
This strategy is part of the Wizards' long-term development plan for their French winger. The coach Brian Keefe explained that the franchise wants “may he be a leading playmaker for us”since this “is part of its evolution. » The former Metropolitans 3&D has twice as many assists (5.0) as turnovers (2.4) in December. A good ratio for a young player who is discovering his creative abilities, but already seems to have confidence.
Already comfortable on pick-and-roll, 42 of his 104 assists (40%) this season were intended for his pivots. With a preference for his young compatriot Alexandre Sarr (2.16 m, 19 years old), the player to whom he delivers the most (25). In full offensive progression, the latter is a perfect target for 3-pointers, for lobs, as well as on the counterattack. Their relationship on the court is beneficial for everyone. They are the future of a franchise in the capital which should move a lot between now and the trade deadline.
