The Washington Wizards are attempting to put together a roster that can give them a fighting chance in the Eastern Conference, but they’re having some problems.
The last few years have been painful for them, and the new season is already being hit with injury problems.
According to Shams Charania, Wizards star Bilal Coulibaly was injured during his time with Team France in the EuroBasket tournament.
This could affect his time in 2025-26 and might hurt the team’s chances of getting on track.
“Washington Wizards guard Bilal Coulibaly underwent surgery Friday to repair a ligament tear in his right thumb and is likely to miss time into the regular season, sources tell ESPN. Coulibaly sustained the injury with the French national team during FIBA EuroBasket play,” Charania posted on X.
Washington Wizards guard Bilal Coulibaly underwent surgery Friday to repair a ligament tear in his right thumb and is likely to miss time into the regular season, sources tell ESPN. Coulibaly sustained the injury with the French national team during FIBA EuroBasket play.
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) September 12, 2025
Last season, Coulibaly averaged 12.3 points, 5.0 rebounds, and 3.4 assists on 42.1 percent from the field for the Wizards.
It was expected that he’d do even more for the team in the new season, especially because of multiple roster changes.
The team was going to give Coulibaly more minutes, more opportunities, and more chances to improve his position in the lineup.
Charania didn’t say how much time he will miss, but hopefully it’s not too long.
The Wizards will hold on to their hope of becoming competitive, with or without Coulibaly.
But if his recovery lasts a long time, or more injuries are waiting, the Wizards’ hopes of making an impact in the East will diminish quickly.
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