Hailed by many as Victor Wembanyama’s less-appreciated co-star in France, Bilal Coulibaly’s explosive athleticism and massive two-way potential could land him as high as the lottery.
Not many prospects have as much momentum heading into the pre-draft process as France’s Bilal Coulibaly. One of the youngest players in the 2023 NBA Draft, the 18-year-old wing has used a strong season for Metropolitans 92 — probably the most scouted team in Europe this season, for Victor Wembanyama-related reasons — to launch himself into the first-round conversation.
Coulibaly isn’t the most polished offensive player on the board, but his top-shelf athleticism and flashes of touch around the rim suggest long-term upside. On the defensive end, he profiles as maybe the top wing stopper in the draft. NBA teams will be infatuated with his physical tools and growth potential.
His decision to enter the 2023 draft will be perceived by some as a risk. Many draft pundits considered Coulibaly a potential top-10 pick in 2024; he would be elevated into a bigger role post-Wemby and he would get another year of skill development under his belt. Now, NBA teams must reckon with Coulibaly’s youth and secondary role in contrast with the obvious room for improvement.
Bilal Coulibaly NBA Draft profile
Height: 6-foot-6
Weight: 230 pounds
Birthdate: July 26, 2004
Position: Small Forward
Offensive Role: Slasher/Off-ball finisher
Defensive Role: Versatile P.O.A. defender, roamer
Projected Draft Range: 10-30
NBA Draft highlights
Strengths
Coulibaly’s athleticism pops off the screen. At 6-foot-6, he can effortlessly explode above the rim and he’s built with an impressive blend of length and strength. Listed at 230 pounds and with a reported wingspan of 7-foot-3, Coulibaly can handle every type of assignment on the defensive end. His switchable nature holds clear value in the modern NBA.
Right now, defense is truly the calling card for Coulibaly — a rarity for players so young. On top of his strength and competitiveness at the point of attack, Coulibaly thrives in a free safety role. Let him roam off non-shooters and he’s a constant threat to swat shots from the weak side or slip into passing lanes for a steal. He gets up quickly and is extremely light on his feet. There’s a world in which Coulibaly is the best wing defender from the 2023 draft.
He’s less polished on the offensive end, but that’s not to say Coulibaly hasn’t displayed plenty of promise. Again, he’s comfortable playing above the rim. He possesses great instincts as a cutter and he regularly makes himself available for lobs. Coulibaly’s 3-point volume isn’t where it needs to be, but his mechanics and touch are projectable. On the offensive glass, he’s an absolute beast.
Coulibaly might not offer much on the ball, but he creates offensive opportunities with his awareness and athleticism. He can contribute enough in his role to justify the investment in his defense. Meanwhile, he’s still 18 years old with the kind of athleticism that begets untapped potential. He was strictly confined to his role with Mets 92, which will probably be the case in the NBA early on. But there’s reason to believe Coulibaly can one day progress beyond that.
Weaknesses
Coulibaly possesses a tremendous first step and the ability to explode downhill on drives to the rim and especially out in transition. What he does not possess is the ability to handle the rock nimbly in traffic. His rudimentary handles make it difficult for Coulibaly to get much going by himself; his offensive production is heavily reliant on teammates or second-chance buckets around the rim.
Early in his NBA career, Coulibaly could struggle to contribute offensively in the halfcourt. He’s athletic enough to get a few points here and there on cuts or offensive rebounds, but his extreme limitations off the dribble, combined with his low 3-point volume, could make it hard for certain teams to stomach Coulibaly in the short term. That could mean extensive G-League time to begin his career, especially if he ends up with a contender.
He has plenty of time to develop his skill set, and his biggest advocates will argue that Coulibaly’s elite athleticism should place him in the lottery. But, it’s also fair to express concern over the true ceiling of a player who can’t create his own offense. Coulibaly has touch around the rim and the body control for tough finishes, but if he can’t significantly increase the craftiness of his handles, Coulibaly will be forever limited to a secondary role.
Conclusion
There’s a reason Coulibaly would probably be a top-10 pick in 2024 and the best NBA front offices maintain the longest view in the room. Coulibaly might not possess star-creator upside, but he’s a potentially elite do-it-all defender who can make his impact felt with hustle plays or out in transition.
If the 3-point shot progresses, it’s hard to imagine Coulibaly not contributing amply on both sides of the ball. Even the best draft classes only have a couple true No. 1 stars, if that. Getting high-level complementary pieces is extremely valuable.
There’s a lot of talent in the 2023 lottery, but it’s not unreasonable to argue that Coulibaly should get looks in that late lottery range — especially from teams with a strong track record of player development and the proper infrastructure to support the growth of such a young, innately gifted individual.