There have been a lot of teams who take big swings on guys who are labeled “projects” in hopes of finding the next Giannis or Siakam. The archetype is usually a long and athletic kid from overseas who’s usually one of the youngest in the draft. Historically, the turnout rate for these guys is pretty low. Usually the major issue is that they simply lack feel for the game and can never really put the tools together.
This year Bilal Coulibaly has gotten the project label, but I think he’s *much* farther along than people expect. One of the major indicators that Bilal will be much better than anticipated is that he has very good feel on both ends of the floor. He’s very good at playing without the ball as a cutter and even able to find space as a spot-up shooter. Defensively he’s been great as a help defender, as well as on ball. His weak side rim protection is very impressive considering he’s only about 6’7. He averaged 2.3 blocks in the summer league.
The thing that gives me great confidence that he will be a good nba player is his ability to handle the ball. He’s not a lead ball handler or anything, but he’s very capable of getting into the lane and creating looks for other guys. He’s unselfish and has solid vision for a wing. He has good touch around the rim on finishes, along with being a good vertical threat. Projects to be a pretty average shooter, but has some good shot creating tendencies.
A lot of project guys show “flashes” but generally don’t have much impact on games or even a negative impact. Coulibaly is a positive player when he’s on the floor on both ends. I really believe there’s a ceiling of what Mikal Bridges projects to be this year, and his floor is a lot higher than people expect. I think at worst he’s a defensive specialist who doesn’t hurt you offensively but you can put on the opponents best perimeter threat. He knows how to play and that’s super important for the “project” archetype.
[Bilal Coulibaly SL Highlights](https://youtu.be/Ohb7a8hc4PY?si=U-irzkFUb_gOxjdT)
by Nickname-CJ
1 Comment
>but I think he’s much farther along than people expect.
He absolutely is not. But 100% he isn’t behind at all, so at least there’s that.
Sad part is, read paragraphs 3 and 4 of what you wrote and see if it doesn’t sound like stuff we were saying about another previous “project” pick….
Bilal has worlds to go. He still has yet to play against actual NBA talent. He’ll get exposed on both ends and look like a rookie the moment he does. But that’s okay! That’s what this year is for.