The Washington Wizards are finally turning a corner. The seasons of finishing at the bottom of the conference will soon be numbered. However, some questions are still not fully answered. While Tre Johnson and Alex Sarr seem to have their positions for the future on lock, the three spot is yet to truly be claimed. Between Kyshawn George and Bilal Coulibaly, who will claim the spot as the starting forward of Wizards’ future?
George or Coulibaly: Who’s the Wizards’ Forward of the Future?
It’s safe to assume that the current battle is between George and Coulibaly, with rookie Will Riley possibly joining this conversation next season if he can show out the way George did. With that in mind, who fits Washington’s puzzle better?
Kyshawn George
The Wizards took a chance on Kyshawn George last season, trading for him on draft night in a deal with the New York Knicks. Now, in retrospect, Washington struck gold. George has the potential to become a real two-way player for Washington at the three spot. As a rookie, George averaged 8.7 points, 4.2 rebounds, and 2.5 assists across 68 appearances.
George played well throughout the season, even if his numbers don’t jump off the stat sheet. Defensively, he’s an above-average defender, with a 1.1 defensive win share and a rating of 118. This season, he averaged a steal a game along with just under a block. On offense, George was inconsistent, but showed flashes of being a decent scorer behind some of the better options on the floor. His shooting was subpar, but with time, his splits of 37.2% from the field and 32.2% from three should improve.
George can grow to become a great all-around player, showing flashes this past season of doing a little bit of everything. With recent news that George will be playing for Canada in the FIBA AmeriCup, it’ll be a great opportunity for him to showcase his growth outside of the Summer League.
Bilal Coulibaly
Bilal Coulibaly gave George ample opportunity to impress Washington after going down with an injury in March. However, the sophomore improved in some areas while showing stagnancy or regression in others. Throughout 59 games, Coulibaly averaged 12.3 points, five rebounds, and 3.4 assists.
Coulibaly’s averages jumped in every category, but he regressed in shooting and increased his turnovers. The 21-year-old is a capable defender who can guard all five positions. When it comes to offense, however, regressing in efficiency isn’t a great sign heading into your third NBA season. Coulibaly played well, but if he doesn’t show improvement or continues his poor shooting, it could signal his demise as the forward of the future.
Coulibaly still has ample time to improve and show his potential. He could become an elite two-way threat similar to Alex Sarr, just at the forward slot. Joining France for the AmeriCup as well, Coulibaly will get a solid number of opportunities, but will it be enough to keep his starting role?
The Last Word
Right now, Coulibaly has an ever-so-slight advantage, but the AmeriCup could change that. George could take the starting spot for the foreseeable future with a solid second season. Improvement in efficiency is needed from both players, but both have time to prove they deserve the role. With that being said, look for the position battle to heat up heading into the middle of the season.
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