UPDATE: Washington Wizards guard Bilal Coulibaly has just undergone surgery in New York City to repair a ligament tear in his right thumb, the team confirmed today. This urgent surgery comes after Coulibaly sustained the injury while playing for the French national team during FIBA EuroBasket competition.
Sources tell ESPN that Coulibaly is likely to miss significant time into the upcoming NBA regular season, raising concerns for the Wizards as they prepare for the new campaign. The timing of this injury could heavily impact the team’s performance as they aim for a competitive edge this year.
Last season, Coulibaly made a strong impression, starting in 59 games and averaging 12.3 points, 5 rebounds, and 3.4 assists per game. Drafted 7th overall by the Indiana Pacers in the 2023 NBA Draft before being traded to the Wizards on draft night, the 6-foot-8 guard quickly became a vital player for Washington.
In his rookie year, Coulibaly played in 63 games, with 15 starts, contributing an average of 8.4 points, 4.1 rebounds, and 1.7 assists per game. His absence could leave a significant gap in the Wizards’ lineup as the team prepares for the challenges ahead.
As the Wizards look to adjust their strategy, fans and analysts alike will be closely monitoring the recovery timeline for Coulibaly. The team is expected to provide further updates on his condition and potential return as the regular season approaches.
Stay tuned for the latest developments on Coulibaly’s recovery and the impact on the Wizards’ season.
