Nov 12, 2023; Brooklyn, New York, USA; Brooklyn Nets guard Spencer Dinwiddie (26) dribbles as Washington Wizards guard Bilal Coulibaly (0) defends during the second half at Barclays Center. Mandatory Credit: Vincent Carchietta-USA TODAY Sports/Sipa USA - Photo by Icon sport
SUSA / Icon Sport/SUSA / Icon Sport
The Wizards are looking into the future, in the short and long term. They made a long-term decision by picking up Bilal Coulibaly’s third-year team option. Per the Wizards official press release, " The Washington Wizards announced today the team has exercised the third-year rookie scale team option for guard/forward Bilal Coulibaly. Through three games this season, the second-year pro is averaging 16.0 points, 4.7 rebounds, and 3.3 assists per game on .500 shooting from the field. Coulibaly notched a career-high 23 points against Cleveland on Oct. 26, also tying his career-high with four made threes. The Courbevoie, France native played for his home country during the 2024 Olympic Games in Paris, appearing in six games and contributing to a silver medal-winning French team. In his rookie campaign, Coulibaly ranked sixth among rookies in total steals and blocks and was in the top 10 for points (ninth) and rebounds (eighth) at the time of his season-ending injury. He was the second-youngest player to appear in a game last season, averaging 8.4 points, 4.1 rebounds, and 1.7 assists per game, with a shooting percentage of .435 from the field and .346 from three-point range”.
Bilal’s third-year team option being picked up was an obvious move for a player who is not only part of the Wizards long-term young core but a potential All-Star level talent but the Wizards also have their eyes on a short-term situation, the Atlanta Hawks. After defeating the Hawks in Atlanta 121-119, they turn around a head back home to face the same division foe from the dirty south. Below are my three keys to development for tonight’s game vs the Hawks.
1. Live or die on the parameter
The Wizards did a good job preventing the Hawks from going loose from behind the arc. Bilal in particular, put the clamps on the Hawks star point guard Trae Young. They also did a great job of capitalizing on shooting and converting high-percentage three-point shots. Continuing this trend is a must.
2. Attack Attack Attack
Attacking the basket is a must not only for the top-scoring options of Jordan Poole and Kyle Kuzma but should also be a team goal. It not only allows the team to get to the free throw line but it also allows opportunities for shooters like Carrington, George, and especially Corey Kispert to eat.
3. Limit turnovers
Limiting turnovers by practicing fluid ball movement will allow the Wizards to work on a major flaw that has haunted them from pre-season to now. It also allows them to find good looks aka high percentage shots.
Wizards vs Hawks 7:00 PM EST
Prediction - Hawks 107-101
