Wizards Rising Star Coulibaly an NBA Rookie Ladder Snub?

The Washington Wizards have a rookie All-Star in Bilal Coulibaly, but that's not good enough to land him on the top 10 list of first-year players.

In a season like this one for the Washington Wizards the club and fans of it have to cling to every ounce of positivity they can find.

And this year, one of those producing some of it is Wizards rookie guard Bilal Coulibaly who was recently rewarded for his play with a selection to All-Star Weekend as a member of the NBA Rising Stars game.

But his play hasn't been good enough to warrant a spot on the NBA's Rookie Ladder, at least not according to league writer Steve Aschburner.

"Nine of the rookies on this week’s edition of the Kia Rookie Ladder are on the (Rising Stars Game roster)," Aschburner wrote. "Houston’s Cam Whitmore has a rung here but, barring a replacement invitation, won’t be on one of the four rosters in Indy. Meanwhile, OKC’s Cason Wallace and Washington’s Bilal Coulibaly are on the Rising Stars list but not currently among the Top 10 here."

Washington Wizards guard Bilal Coulibaly (0) drives on Minnesota Timberwolves guard Anthony Edwards (5) during the second half at Capital One Arena / Mandatory Credit: Tommy Gilligan-USA TODAY Sports

Clearly, the league disagrees with the latest Rookie Ladder as they placed Coulibaly and Wallace among the top 11 at a minimum, with Whitmore on the outside looking in.

The question then really pertains to whether or not Coulibaly is No. 11 or No. 10, and considering the rookie playing for Washington is currently top five in steals and blocks, top 10 in points, rebounds, and three-point field goals, and one of just three in the first-year class with 40+ steals and 30+ blocks, his case is pretty strong.

Wizards Hoping To Extend Winning Streak

While Whitmore ranks No. 7 on Aschburner's list he trails Coulibaly in rebounds, assists, steals, and blocks per game.

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