Bilal Coulibaly, a promising wing for the Washington Wizards, will start the upcoming season on the sidelines following thumb surgery stemming from an injury he sustained while competing for the French national team at EuroBasket. The 21-year-old underwent surgery to repair a torn ligament in his right thumb. According to reports, he is expected to be out for six to eight weeks, which likely means he will miss the Wizards’ season opener against the Milwaukee Bucks on October 22, and possibly remain unavailable into November.
Even if Coulibaly’s recovery progresses favorably, he will require a gradual ramp-up to return to game action. This typically involves transitioning from conditioning exercises to non-contact drills before advancing to full-contact practices. Sources indicate that individuals recovering from thumb surgery often do not resume basketball activities, aside from minimal off-hand work, until the six-week mark post-surgery. This cautious approach underscores the importance of a careful recovery process to avoid setbacks.
Coulibaly’s recent injury comes on the heels of a challenging second season in the NBA, which was curtailed by a hamstring issue that sidelined him for the final 23 games. In that season, he averaged 12.3 points, 3.4 assists, and 1.3 steals per game, but he struggled with efficiency, seeing a drop in his three-point shooting percentage from 34.6% as a rookie to 28.1%. Despite these struggles, the Wizards remain committed to integrating him as a key component of their rebuilding strategy, chiefly due to his defensive versatility and athletic prowess.
In addition to Coulibaly’s injury, the Wizards are facing concerns with fellow teammate Alex Sarr, who also sustained an injury. Sarr withdrew from EuroBasket due to calf issues, casting uncertainty over his participation in training camp. This situation compounds the challenges for a franchise focused on the development of young talent. As the team embarks on a new chapter under a revamped front office, the health of critical players like Coulibaly and Sarr is paramount for a successful transitional period.
With training camp fast approaching, the Wizards find themselves in a precarious position. Coulibaly’s likely absence during this crucial preparatory phase heightens the importance of roster depth early in the season. The team must navigate the complexities of player development and health management as they strive to implement their long-term vision. Although the foundation of their wing rotation includes Coulibaly, they will also rely on recently acquired talents like Khris Middleton and 2025 first-round pick Tre Johnson to maintain competitiveness.
As the season kickoff looms, Coulibaly’s recovery will be under careful observation by the team’s medical and coaching staff. The chances of his early return are being weighed against the need to ensure he fully recovers before making his on-court return. The Wizards’ management remains optimistic about Coulibaly’s potential impact during the season, indicating that his health and development will be closely monitored as the team aims to harness the growth of its young roster amid the challenges ahead.
