2023 NBA Mock Draft: Trail Blazers get future star, Magic surprise at 6
By Tyler Watts
9. Utah Jazz grab Bilal Coulibaly
This selection may already be decided. NBA Big Board’s Rafael Barlowe believes that Utah is targeting Coulibaly (subscription required) over a point guard at nine. The Jazz want a lead ball handler in this draft, but they may believe in the 6’6 wing more than any point guard on the board here.
It has been a shocking rise for Coulibaly throughout the season. Nobody had him going in the first round to open the year, but he continued to impress playing next to soon-to-be number-one overall pick Victor Wembanyama for Metropolitans 92 in France.
Coulibaly is a 6’6 wing with length, athleticism, and size. Scouts are intrigued by his defensive versatility and upside and the teenager may be able to guard every player on the floor when he reaches his prime.
His offensive game is a bit of a work in progress, but Coulibaly has shown shooting, passing, and playmaking upside.
The 18-year-old is still a raw prospect that needs time to develop, but the Jazz appear to be extremely high on him. They are just starting a rebuild and have time to wait for him to develop. Bilal Coulibaly could blossom into the modern 3-and-D wing that every team covets if he reaches his ceiling.