By Mathieu S. | Sports editor
Author of a big start to the season with the Wizards, Bilal Coulibaly gets everyone in agreement in the Capital. The Frenchman has done a great job so far, and there’s a reason for that. His summer of 2024 allowed him to make quite a few adjustments.
Already promising during his rookie campaign, Bilal Coulibaly has not been idle in recent months with the Wizards, or with the French team during the Olympic Games. We know that he didn’t really like being on the bench most of the time, so the Frenchman worked hard to improve. And on both sides of the floor more precisely.
Regularly praised for his defense, Coulibaly has reached a milestone offensively. More confident, more aggressive and more skillful, the winger no longer hesitates to take his chance or attack the circle if the opportunity presents itself. His statistics today in NBA ? 14.1 points, 5.8 rebounds and 1.3 steals per game. We may regret the fact that he has gotten fewer shots in recent weeks.
Bilal Coulibaly honest after his big start to the season
However, Coulibaly continues to give satisfaction when it comes to defense. Jayson Tatum will be able to confirm this, he who was muzzled by the Frenchman during his previous duel. So how can we explain such a change for the person concerned? He spoke to journalists this week, and his justification is ultimately quite simple.
Journalist : “How would you explain your defensive progress since you have been in this league? »
Bilal Coulibaly : “I became much better because I stopped respecting other players, just being much more physical with them. Being more physical with them, making everything harder for them, that’s how I got better. »
The difference is notable today, with Coulibaly even more valuable in this defensive sector. And with Alex Sarr at his side, there is reason to be confident for the future of Wizards.
It’s still a little early to know where exactly Coulibaly will stop, but he has the potential to become a big 3&D in the NBA in future years, at least if he confirms over the months. His defense will in any case remain a valuable asset, especially since the Frenchman has increased his output. He also has a specific example in mind.
Coulibaly : “An example, probably with Jayson Tatum last year. I just waited until he received the ball to start defending on him. Now I make everything difficult for him, even just getting the ball. I watched the matches and I told myself that I could do a lot better than that. »
Better for Bilal Coulibaly at the Wizards, especially in defense where the Frenchman no longer seems to be afraid at all. The difference is notable, to the point where he could claim a reward at the end of the season. But there is still a lot of work.
