The Washington Wizards’ summer injury woes continue. Weeks after rookie Alex Sarr left EuroBasket with a calf issue, fellow Frenchman Bilal Coulibaly has now suffered a setback of his own.
On September 12, ESPN’s Shams Charania reported that Bilal Coulibaly underwent surgery to repair a torn ligament in his right thumb. The injury occurred during EuroBasket and is expected to sideline the forward for the start of the NBA regular season.
A crucial year interrupted
The timing could hardly be worse for Bilal Coulibaly, who is entering a pivotal third NBA season. Eligible for an extension next offseason, the 20-year-old was under evaluation as the Wizards’ front office weighs whether to build around him or explore trade options.
Through two years in Washington, Bilal Coulibaly has averaged 10.3 points, 4.5 rebounds, and 2.5 assists while shooting 42.7% from the field. But questions remain about his offensive consistency, particularly from deep. His three-point percentage dipped from 34.6% as a rookie to just 28.1% last season, a decline fans hoped EuroBasket would help him correct.
Early in the tournament, Coulibaly appeared to have turned a corner with improved playmaking and confidence. But after strong opening games, his production noticeably tailed off — a drop many now suspect coincided with the thumb injury.
Wizards’ rotation under pressure
With Coulibaly sidelined, the Wizards will lean on Kyshawn George and new signing Cam Whitmore to pick up the slack at forward. George impressed for Canada at the FIBA AmeriCup, while Whitmore adds athleticism and depth. Still, losing last season’s starting forward is a major setback, particularly in a frontcourt already regarded as thin.
Bleacher Report recently highlighted Washington’s lack of power forward depth as a weak point heading into 2025-26, and Coulibaly’s absence only compounds that problem.
Looking ahead
Coulibaly’s surgery is not expected to cost him the entire season, but his absence for training camp and the opening weeks of the regular season is far from ideal. For the Wizards, the priority now is ensuring a smooth recovery for a player who remains central to their long-term evaluation.
All eyes will be on how quickly he can return to full fitness — and whether he can rediscover his rhythm in what remains a defining campaign for his future in Washington.
