Wizards’ Wes Unseld Jr. explains how Bilal Coulibaly can impact games

In his preseason debut, Coulibaly offered a glimpse of how he can impact games on a nightly basis this season.

On a night in which Bilal Coulibaly recorded only five points, the seventh pick showcased how he can affect games this season with the Washington Wizards.

That is with his defense.

Coulibaly flashed that ability in 20 minutes on Tuesday in a 145-82 victory over the Cairns Taipans of the National Basketball League. He added six rebounds, three assists, three steals and one blocked shot in his preseason debut.

Boasting a 7-foot, 3-inch wingspan, Coulibaly showed off his length and athleticism. He displayed great instincts and awareness that enabled him to anticipate plays and force turnovers.

“I think he can be impactful defensively,” Wizards coach Wes Unseld Jr. said. “He showed it at times (with) just his length and anticipation. He’ll get a better feel once we dial deeper into personnel and get deeper into the season. I think that is where he is going to hang his hat.”

The early showing by Coulibaly was certainly encouraging. He admitted afterward there are areas on defense he can improve, such as in pick and roll coverage. That, as Unseld alluded to, will likely come with more reps.

The entire Wizards roster has embraced Coulibaly seemingly from the day the Frenchman arrived. He received a shoutout from Kyle Kuzma on Instagram after the victory and earned high praise from Anthony Gill, who called him the best prospect in the NBA draft.

Jordan Poole even moved Coulibaly’s locker next to his at the facility and has encouraged the 19-year-old to ask as many questions as needed. Those gestures have helped him stay confident.

“(Jordan) was saying when he was a rookie, he wasn’t always asking questions and sometimes he was lost so he just doesn’t want me to be like that,” Coulibaly said. “He is just saying, ‘Whatever question you’ve got, there is no stupid question so ask them.'”

[lawrence-auto-related count=3 tag=650261396]