The 2023 NBA draft is less than three weeks away, which means it’s the time of the year when rumors swirl on the internet.
One of the most recent reports that has gained steam over the last few days involves the Oklahoma City Thunder and Metropolitan 92 forward Bilal Coulibaly, who has generated lottery buzz with his in-season progress as Victor Wembanyama’s best teammate.
Bleacher Report draft expert Jonathan Wasserman reported on June 1 that Coulibaly “has a promise” in the first round before No. 14. The Thunder and Toronto Raptors are the teams most linked to Coulibaly.
Meanwhile, NBA Big Board draft expert Rafael Barlowe reported several scouts and agents believe the Thunder are targeting Coulibaly at No. 12.
While this is all pure speculation, the dots are definitely there to be connected. The 18-year-old fits the mold of the type of players Thunder general manager Sam Presti historically targets in the draft.
In 27 games, Coulibaly averaged five points on 53.2% shooting, 3.1 rebounds and 0.8 assists with the LNB Pro A club.
The 6-foot-6 French wing has played his way into lottery discussions, but there’s a decent shot he’ll be there at No. 12. With the amount of hype he’s received recently, perhaps that could change by the time June 22 rolls around.
