NBA Mock Draft: Magic 'Enticed' By Victor Wembanyama's Teammate?
The Orlando Magic did not win the Victor Wembanyama sweepstakes last month during the NBA Draft Lottery.
However, they could target a player who has played a key role alongside the 7-4 French phenom on Metropolitans 92.
Bilal Coulibaly, an 18-year-old wing has risen up draft boards in large part due to his elite defensive instincts and shot-making ability.
And despite this being his first season at French basketball's highest level, Coulibaly's room for growth has made him a first-round lock among NBA mock drafts.
"Dating back to last fall, his development has been notable, going from a player who couldn't get off the bench regularly to an indispensable part of Metropolitans 92," ESPN writes. "Coulibaly projects as an excellent defender and has room for growth offensively, flashing on-ball playmaking and catch-and-shoot upside. Considering he's still 18 years old, there's quite a bit for teams who could use a perimeter stopper to think about here."
In Mets 92's most recent victory advancing on to the LNB Pro A finals, Coulibaly scored 16 points on 7 of 12 shooting, to go along with four assists and two steals.
And Bleacher Report predicts this two-way potential could entice the Magic to take a chance at No. 11.
"While most prospects use pro days and workouts to try and improve their stock, Coulibaly is helping himself in the LNB Pro A playoffs, most recently going for 16 points in a Game 4 win over ASVEL to help Mets 92 advance to the finals," Bleacher Report writes. "Teams in the late lottery have been considering the 18-year-old who's making an impact for Victor Wembanyama's Mets 92 with his effortless bounce, two-way activity and spot-up shooting. Recent flashes of self-creation have only made Coulibaly look more enticing weeks before the draft."
The NBA Draft is held on Thursday, June 22 at 8 p.m. from Barclays Center in Brooklyn.
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