UPDATE: Washington Wizards guard Bilal Coulibaly has just undergone thumb surgery in New York City to repair a ligament tear in his right thumb, as confirmed by the team. This urgent development means Coulibaly is likely to miss significant time as the NBA regular season approaches, according to sources speaking to ESPN.
The injury occurred while Coulibaly was competing with the French national team during FIBA EuroBasket. His absence will be felt as he was a vital player for the Wizards last season, starting 59 games and averaging 12.3 points, 5 rebounds, and 3.4 assists.
Drafted 7th overall by the Indiana Pacers in the 2023 NBA Draft, Coulibaly was traded to the Wizards on draft night. In his rookie year with Washington, he participated in 63 games, including 15 starts, contributing an average of 8.4 points, 4.1 rebounds, and 1.7 assists per game.
This surgery not only raises concerns for Coulibaly’s immediate future but also impacts the Wizards’ roster depth as they prepare for the upcoming season. Fans and analysts alike will be closely monitoring his recovery timeline and the implications for the team’s performance.
As the Wizards gear up for the next chapter, all eyes will be on how they adapt without Coulibaly’s contributions on the court. Stay tuned for more updates on his recovery and the Wizards’ plans moving forward.