As the Washington Wizards welcome rookie Bilal Coulibaly to their roster, all eyes are on the young player to restore the esteem and significance of the number 0 jersey. NBA legend Gilbert Arenas, known for his impressive tenure with the Wizards, has highlighted the weight of this responsibility for the rookie. With Arenas himself having left a lasting impact while wearing the number 0, Coulibaly faces high expectations to uphold its legacy.
Wizards handed Bilal Coulibaly with iconic no.0
The Washington Wizards made a significant move during the 2023 NBA Draft by selecting Bilal Coulibaly as the seventh overall pick. However, what caught the attention of fans and media alike was Coulibaly’s decision to don the iconic number 0 jersey for the Wizards. In interviews, the 6-foot-8 forward expressed his pride in wearing the number, acknowledging the legacy left by the legendary Agent Zero, Gilbert Arenas. To compliment that, Coulibaly too had a standout season with the Metropolitans 92, showcasing his shooting prowess and averaging 5.0 points per game.
The Wizards gave Gilbert Arenas’ iconic No. 0 to rookie Bilal Coulibaly. I asked him how he felt about it. His answer is amazing. pic.twitter.com/jIKuicjcx4
— Chris Palmer (@ChrisPalmerNBA) June 29, 2023
Will Dawkins, the Wizards’ general manager, has stated that the team is totally dedicated to Coulibaly’s long-term development. The Wizards are rebuilding after losing key players like Porzingis and Big Panda, and Coulibaly is a major element of their future. The rookie forward has already begun to form bonds with his new teammates, including Poole Party, who came out to greet him in Washington, D.C.
The Wizards’ fandom is looking forward to Coulibaly’s development and commitment to the team’s rebirth as he takes on the challenge of representing the famous number 0. Coulibaly has the potential and shooting skills to establish a name for himself and pave his own way in Wizards history.
Arenas responds to Wizards giving the number to rookie instead of Russel Westbrook back in 2020
Former Washington Wizards star Gilbert Arenas recently shared his thoughts on the team’s decision to assign the number 0 jersey to rookie Bilal Coulibaly instead of NBA superstar Russell Westbrook back in 2020. Arenas, took to social media to express his viewpoint on the matter.
He emphasized his respect for the organization’s choice but also conveyed his belief that the number 0 carries a special significance that should be earned through on-court performance. He explained that the number represents the responsibility and pressure of being the team’s primary scorer.
Arenas left a lasting impression on the Wizards as a franchise icon, capturing fans with his scoring skills and reckless approach. Given his history with the number 0, it’s reasonable that he’d prefer to see it passed down to a seasoned veteran like Beastbrook, who has established himself as a dominant scorer and leader in the game.
While the decision to grant the number 0 to a rookie like Coulibaly may have raised eyebrows, it also reflects the team’s belief in his potential. Coulibaly now carries the weight of living up to the legacy of Arenas and the iconic number 0, as he aims to make his mark in Wizards history.
Will Coulibaly live upto the expectation associated with jersey number ‘0’? Do let us know in the comments box.
