2023 NBA Mock Draft: Mavericks dream draft choice falls, Rockets shock at 4

9. Utah Jazz grab Bilal Coulibaly

Coulibaly is the biggest riser in this year’s class. Nobody had the 18-year-old French teenager as a first-round pick coming into the season, but he has stood out playing next to Victor Wembanyama in France enough to draw significant lottery buzz. NBA Big Board’s Rafael Barlowe went as far as to say that he has heard rumblings (subscription required) of Utah targeting him over a point guard here.

It would be surprising, but the 6’6 wing did average 11.0 points, 4.2 rebounds, 1.4 assists, 1.5 steals, and 0.5 blocks in 23.9 minutes per game playing professionally in France. His defense, athleticism, and 3-and-D potential has intrigued scouts. Coulibaly’s offensive game continued to improve this season, but his shot-making and ball-handling are question marks heading into the NBA.

The Utah Jazz have three first-round picks, but if they want to draft Bilal Coulibaly, they will have to do it here. The 6’6 wing is one of the hottest names in the class, and he continues to improve his stock during the French league playoffs as Metropolitans 92 has reached the finals.

If the Jazz select Coulibaly here, they will take a point guard at 16 where there are a handful of ball-handlers and playmakers expected to be available. Danny Ainge had success drafting wings in Boston, and he could look to replicate it in Utah.