/https%3A%2F%2Fmedia.basketusa.com%2Fmain%2F2026%2F03%2Fbilal-coulibaly-1.jpg)
San Francisco – Washington Wizards forward Bilal Coulibaly is finding his rhythm as the NBA season winds down. After a challenging year marked by injuries, the 21-year-old French international is showcasing the offensive potential that made him a lottery pick in the 2023 NBA draft. Coulibaly recently scored 21 points in 19 minutes against the Golden State Warriors, a performance that highlighted his growing confidence and aggressive style of play. [1, 2]
The third-year player recently spoke candidly about navigating a season disrupted by setbacks, his increasing comfort within the Wizards’ system, and his excitement about the team’s future with the arrival of Trae Young and Anthony Davis.
“I feel good, I feel particularly good. Frankly, nothing to say,” Coulibaly said when asked about his current physical condition. [translated from French]
He acknowledged a recent minor issue that limited his playing time, explaining, “There, no. I just had to be a little cold, a little sore. But otherwise, nothing serious.” [translated from French]
Coulibaly admitted frustration with restricted minutes despite finding a scoring groove. “Yeah, it’s a little frustrating. But after that, well, you deal with it. You don’t have much of a choice. So… I think they’re also taking precautions, being careful, so I understand. But it’s still frustrating.” [translated from French]
“Physically, I was fed up.”
This season marked the first time Coulibaly has had to manage recurring injuries. “Yeah, it’s the first time in my life this has happened. And it was really complicated. I often saw people around me getting injured and I told myself it must be tough. But when you don’t experience it, you don’t really know. And it was really hard. Physically, I was fed up. I kept telling myself, ‘No, this isn’t possible.’ Even when I came back, I was a little scared. So, I think mentally it was very complicated too. But I managed to secure through it. And I feel good today.” [translated from French]
Coulibaly’s recent improved performance is attributed to consistent playing time. “Yeah, it’s clear that’s it. It’s the fact of stringing games together, getting back into my rhythm. I’m also getting used to playing with my teammates for a longer period, which makes things easier.” [translated from French]
He described his approach when matched up against larger defenders like Kristaps Porzingis. “Frankly, I try to be aggressive all the time, in every game. And yeah, when I witness it’s an interior player like that, I think it’s a little disrespectful. So, I try to present them that they better change quickly, or it won’t operate. At the beginning of the game, it wasn’t going in too much. But after that, I managed to get into a rhythm. And they ended up changing their approach.” [translated from French]
With nine games remaining in the regular season (now eight), Coulibaly reflected on his third year in the league. “Slowed down by injuries, I would say. It took me time to get over it. It was a somewhat complicated season, honestly, with the injuries and everything.” [translated from French]
“it was still a better season than last season.”
The Wizards are projected to finish with a record between 15 and 20 wins, similar to the past two seasons. Coulibaly acknowledged expectations were higher. “Yeah, I expected a better season. It was still a better season than last season. We had some wins quickly. After that, there were changes that made things a bit complicated. I think, it was a better season. We learned a lot. Even being injured for a large part of the season, I was able to learn a lot too. And my teammates too. Alex [Sarr] had a very good season. The other young guys, Kyshawn, everyone improved. Everyone learned. I think next year will be better.” [translated from French]
The prospect of playing alongside Trae Young and Anthony Davis has Coulibaly excited. “Yeah, I think about it a lot. I was already thinking about it a lot, given that having players of that caliber, I haven’t experienced that since I’ve been in the NBA. So, it’s really nice. And yeah, I can’t wait! I had the chance to play a few games with Trae Young, and yeah, I see that… there are differences. He’s a guy who will find you when you’re open. That will make the game easier for everyone. So yeah, I’m really looking forward to it.” [translated from French]
Coulibaly anticipates a shift in his role with the addition of two ball-dominant players. “Yeah, I’m not asking myself too many questions. Because all my life, I’ve managed to adapt to the players alongside me. So, I think that with Trae Young, who is a guy who has the ball a lot, I’ll surely have it less. But I’ll also have my moments. Whatever happens, it will be a good experience.” [translated from French]
Quotes collected in San Francisco.
| Bilal Coulibaly | Pourcentage | Rebonds | |||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Saison | Equipe | MJ | Min | Tirs | 3pts | LF | Off | Def | Tot | Pd | Fte | Int | Bp | Ct | Pts |
| 2023-24 | WAS | 63 | 27:13 | 43.5 | 34.6 | 70.2 | 0.9 | 3.2 | 4.1 | 1.7 | 2.2 | 0.9 | 1.4 | 0.8 | 8.4 |
| 2024-25 | WAS | 59 | 33:01 | 42.1 | 28.1 | 74.6 | 1.5 | 3.4 | 5.0 | 3.4 | 2.4 | 1.3 | 2.1 | 0.7 | 12.3 |
| 2025-26 | WAS | 52 | 26:29 | 41.5 | 31.4 | 75.0 | 0.8 | 3.6 | 4.4 | 2.6 | 2.5 | 1.4 | 1.5 | 0.9 | 11.3 |
Comment lire les stats ? MJ = matches joués ; Min = Minutes ; Tirs = Tirs réussis / Tirs tentés ; 3pts = 3-points / 3-points tentés ; LF = lancers-francs réussis / lancers-francs tentés ; Off = rebond offensif ; Def= rebond défensif ; Tot = Total des rebonds ; Pd = passes décisives ; Fte : Fautes personnelles ; Int = Interceptions ; Bp = Balles perdues ; Ct : Contres ; Pts = Points.
The Wizards will conclude their season on April 14th against the Boston Celtics. [1] Fans can follow updates on the team’s official website and social media channels. What do you think of the Wizards’ future with these new additions? Share your thoughts in the comments below.
