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21h ago

Wizards’ Bilal Coulibaly Undergoes Thumb Surgery, Expected to Miss Start of Season

The 21-year-old tore a right-thumb ligament with France at EuroBasket, with Washington offering no timetable.

Feb 23, 2025; Orlando, Florida, USA; Washington Wizards guard Bilal Coulibaly (0) shoots the ball in front of Orlando Magic center Wendell Carter Jr. (34) during the second quarter at Kia Center. Mandatory Credit: Mike Watters-Imagn Images/File Photo
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Overview

  • Washington confirmed Friday’s procedure in New York City to repair the torn ligament, saying updates will be provided rather than a set return date.
  • The injury occurred during EuroBasket play for France, with reporting indicating the tear likely happened in the Round of 16 loss to Georgia.
  • ESPN’s Shams Charania reports Coulibaly is likely to miss time into the 2025–26 regular season, while outside estimates suggest recovery could take up to about three months.
  • Coulibaly posted career highs last season at 12.3 points, 5.0 rebounds and 3.4 assists over 59 starts after earlier setbacks that included a wrist fracture as a rookie and a hamstring strain late last season.
  • With Coulibaly sidelined, minutes on the wing are expected to shift to veterans Khris Middleton and CJ McCollum alongside younger options such as Kyshawn George and Cam Whitmore.