2023 NBA Mock Draft 8.0: Spurs win Wembanyama sweepstakes

OKC has been more willing than most teams to bet on young, athletic, less-proven overseas talent (see: Aleksej Pokusevski, Ousmane Dieng). With a competitive core already established and a good chance to take another leap next season with the imminent return of Chet Holmgren, there’s no harm in taking another patient upside swing.

Bilal Coulibaly is one of the youngest players on the board. Starring in the shadow of Victor Wembanyama with Metropolitans 92, Coulibaly has wowed talent evaluators with his explosive finishes, ferocious rebounding, and versatile defense.

Not many 18-year-olds show Coulibaly’s awareness on defense; he’s constantly shooting the gaps and making timely rotations. His 7-foot-3 wingspan poses quite the hurdle for opposing ball-handlers and he’s already strong battling bigger wings. He could potentially defend 1-4.

OKC has built its offense around a gaggle of competent playmakers in Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Josh Giddey, and Jalen Williams. Coulibaly doesn’t offer much off the dribble, but he’s a good finisher around the rim who makes enough 3s to keep the defense honest. As a play-finisher and potential defensive cornerstone, he makes a lot of sense in the 12-spot.

Check out our full scouting report on Bilal Coulibaly.