Bilal Coulibaly's basketball journey started early, playing alongside established professionals in France, even sharing the court with the highly-touted Victor Wembanyama. This head start seems to be paying off big time, with Coulibaly now earning a coveted spot on the NBA All-Star Weekend's Rising Stars team.

He may have started his NBA career coming off the bench for the Washington Wizards, but the pressure seems non-existent for this young talent. Excelling primarily as a defender, Coulibaly is steadily developing his offensive skills, making him a potential two-way force in the league.

Comparisons to NBA veterans are already starting to roll in. Some see flashes of Caron Butler, a former Wizards All-Star known for his balanced performance on both ends of the court. But perhaps the name that truly excites Wizards fans is Kawhi Leonard. Like Coulibaly, Leonard began his career with the San Antonio Spurs, coming off the bench and building his offensive game around a strong defensive foundation.

Bilal Coulibaly's journey is far from over, but his early success suggests a bright future ahead. The Wizards, seemingly wise in their selection, will be watching closely as Coulibaly continues to develop and potentially evolve into a superstar in the mold of Kawhi Leonard.