​Caleb Wilson, the No. 4 overall pick in the 2026 NBA Draft, made a dazzling Summer League debut for the Chicago Bulls on Friday, scoring 35 points to set a rookie record. His scoring spree surpassed the 27 points produced by No. 1 pick AJ Dybantsa for the Washington Wizards on Thursday in their win over the Utah Jazz, underscoring Wilson’s immediate impact on the floor in Las Vegas.
From the opening moments, Wilson asserted himself in a high-profile matchup against No. 3 pick Cameron Boozer and the Memphis Grizzlies. The 6-foot-10 forward kicked things off for the Bulls by tallying the first five points of the game, drilling a top-of-the-arc three and then following with a midrange jumper from the baseline. His early aggression helped set the tone, even as Memphis pulled ahead to win a tight 97-96 decision in the end. The Bulls initially sponsored the pace with Wilson’s rapid involvement, but Boozer and the Grizzlies managed to close strong enough to edge out Chicago.
Wilson’s standout moment came in the second quarter on a chase-down blocked shot that drew gasps from the crowd and commentators alike. The sequence began with Wilson on the receiving end of a turnover—a pass at the three-point line intended for a teammate that was intercepted by Javon Small of Memphis. Small streaked toward the rim for what looked like a fast-break finish, but Wilson sprinted back and closed out with a thunderous block from behind, altering the course of the possession and providing a defining highlight for the rookie’s debut. The block illustrated Wilson’s length and defensive instincts, signaling that he may contribute on both ends of the floor in addition to his scoring prowess.
What truly set Wilson apart was his 3-point shooting range in his first NBA action. He displayed a confident, versatile stroke from beyond the arc, making seven of 11 attempts from three-point land, including two crucial treys in the final eight seconds of the game. It was a striking departure from his college numbers at North Carolina, where he shot just 26% from deep on 27 attempts in his lone college season, making his early accuracy in the pros all the more noteworthy. Wilson’s willingness to pull up off the dribble and execute step-back threes further demonstrated his growing comfort as a floor-spacer at the professional level. His efficient overall performance reflected a well-rounded offensive game that could translate well to NBA competition.
In total, Wilson went 10-for-21 from the floor, finishing with 35 points, five rebounds, two steals, and three blocks. His all-around production marked a statement Summer League showing for Chicago, signaling his potential to become a dynamic scoring option and a defensive disruptor for the Bulls as he continues to adjust to the professional pace and competition.
Cameron Boozer, competing in his third Summer League game, looked right at home as well and emerged as one of Memphis’s most dangerous players. Boozer delivered a pair of early dunks in the first quarter, the second of which showcased his competitiveness: after the first dunk, he poked the ball away from Wilson on the ensuing possession and drove in for a score, highlighting Boozer’s willingness to mix it up at both ends of the floor. Boozer finished with 23 points on 7-for-12 shooting, added six rebounds, four assists, one steal, and one block, and he repeatedly brought the ball up for Memphis, contributing as a ball-handler and facilitator in the half-court offense. His performance reflected the Grizzlies’ commitment to letting Boozer develop as a versatile playmaker who can create offense in multiple ways, a facet increasingly valued in modern spacing-driven lineups.
Cedric Coward also contributed admirably for Memphis, posting 17 points, 10 rebounds, five assists, and two blocks. Coward’s activity helped draw attention away from the two rookies and provided the Grizzlies with secondary production around Boozer and Wilson. His all-around contribution helped Memphis stay competitive throughout the game, and his performance in this Summer League context underscored his potential to grow into a reliable role player in the Grizzlies’ system.
Overall, Wilson’s historic 35-point debut, combined with seven made three-pointers and an efficient line, signaled a promising start to a rookie season that many around the league will be watching closely. Boozer’s continued strong showing reinforced Memphis’s belief in his development as a multi-faceted guard/forward who can contribute in varied ways, including on-ball defense, transition play, and creation in the half-court. As both teams continue through their Summer League campaigns, the early performances from Wilson and Boozer will likely shape expectations for their immediate impact and long-term trajectories as high draft picks entering the league.