The Washington Wizards are still searching for their identity-and more importantly, for a foundation they can build around. After years of living near the top of the NBA Draft Lottery, the question that’s hung over the franchise like a cloud remains the same: when will this team finally turn the corner and compete again in the Eastern Conference?
That answer hinges on the growth of their young core. And while the rebuild has had its fair share of missteps, there may finally be a few pieces worth investing in.
Alex Sarr and Kyshawn George, both selected in the 2024 NBA Draft, have quietly emerged as potential long-term contributors. In a class that was widely considered one of the weakest in recent memory, Washington may have struck gold with these two.
Early signs suggest they could be the kind of high-upside players who help shape a franchise's future.
But the spotlight still lingers on another name-one that came with more hype, more expectations, and now, more questions.
Bilal Coulibaly: Still Searching for His Breakthrough
When the Wizards took Bilal Coulibaly with the No. 7 overall pick in the 2023 NBA Draft, they weren’t just betting on potential-they were swinging for a high-ceiling, two-way star. The French guard came into the league with a rare combination of size, athleticism, and defensive instincts. On paper, he looked like a future lockdown defender with the tools to grow into a dynamic offensive threat.
And to be fair, he’s had moments that remind you why he was such a tantalizing prospect. There have been flashes-games where his length disrupts passing lanes, where he gets out in transition, finishes with authority, and looks every bit like a player who belongs in the league.
But those moments have been just that-flashes. What Coulibaly hasn’t done, at least not consistently, is put together a stretch of performances that suggest he’s ready to take the next step. And for a franchise that’s been burned by promising prospects who never quite panned out, patience is wearing thin.
The biggest hurdle for Coulibaly? Inconsistency.
It’s been the theme of his young career. Defensively, he’s shown he can be a real asset.
His instincts, timing, and ability to guard multiple positions are legitimate. He’s already shown he can hang his hat on that end of the floor.
But in today’s NBA, especially for a top-10 pick, defense alone won’t carry you to stardom. The Wizards didn’t draft Coulibaly just to be a role player-they drafted him with the hope that he could evolve into a cornerstone. And until he finds more rhythm and confidence on the offensive end, that vision remains just that: a hope.
What Comes Next
There’s still time. Coulibaly is only three seasons into his NBA career, and development isn’t always linear.
Some players take longer to put it all together. But the clock is ticking-not just for him, but for the Wizards as a whole.
With Sarr and George showing early promise, the team has a chance to build something real. Whether Coulibaly becomes part of that picture depends on his ability to grow into a more complete player.
For now, his defensive prowess might be enough to keep him in the rotation. In a league that values perimeter defense more than ever, there’s always a place for players who can guard at a high level. But if Coulibaly wants to be more than just a defensive specialist-if he wants to become the two-way force the Wizards envisioned-he’ll need to bring more to the table offensively, and bring it consistently.
The potential is still there. But potential only gets you so far.