​Former North Carolina standout Caleb Wilson could hardly have scripted a louder introduction to the NBA. The No. 4 overall pick in the 2026 NBA Draft delivered a Summer League debut for the ages, erupting for 35 points on Friday night as the Chicago Bulls fell 97-96 to the Memphis Grizzlies. He poured in 35 on 12-of-21 shooting, including an eye-popping 7-for-11 from three-point range, while also chipping in five rebounds, two steals, and three blocks in 33 minutes. The performance showcased the two-way versatility that helped him rise to one of the nation’s top prospects, even as there are clearly still adjustments to be made at the professional level.
There are aspects Wilson will undoubtedly want to tidy up. The hyper-competitive rookie went just 2-for-6 at the free throw line, did not record an assist, and committed six turnovers. Those are numbers that will surface for refinement as he grows more comfortable operating against NBA defenses and pacing himself in high-leverage moments. Yet those blemishes were largely eclipsed by an electrifying offensive display that reminded Chicago why they invested the fourth pick in the former Tar Heel.
Perhaps the most compelling takeaway from Wilson’s debut wasn’t the 35-point total so much as the manner in which he scored them. Three-point shooting has long been viewed as Wilson’s biggest question mark entering his pro career. In his lone season at North Carolina, he connected on just 7 of 27 attempts from beyond the arc. On Friday night, he matched that entire collegiate total by draining seven triples in a single game. If that kind of outside shooting leap is real, it dramatically reshapes his ceiling in the NBA. Defenders will have to respect his range, which should create driving lanes for his athleticism and make him an even more dangerous offensive threat.
This performance also underscored Wilson’s defensive instincts. He flashed his knack for disruption with multiple plays on the other end, including a spectacular chase-down block that evoked memories of a notable rejection prior to his left-hand fracture against Miami in February. The burst of athleticism and the instinctive reads on that side of the floor collectively put Wilson on a trajectory toward potential superstar status sooner than many observers anticipated.
Friday’s game had an extra layer of meaning as Wilson returned to the court for the first time publicly since his hand injury ended his college season. The resounding success of his comeback only amplified the anticipation surrounding his continued development in the NBA. While the Bulls fell just short to Memphis, the night belonged to Wilson and the promise he carried into Chicago’s Summer League campaign.
Looking ahead, Wilson’s Summer League schedule remains packed with opportunities to showcase growth and consistency. Chicago’s next test comes on Monday against the Utah Jazz, where Wilson will face No. 2 overall pick Darryn Peterson in a matchup that carries notable implications for both players’ rookie seasons. The following evening, the Bulls will take the floor against the Washington Wizards in a marquee showdown featuring No. 1 overall pick AJ Dybantsa. For Wilson, the path toward stardom will continue to unfold over these next few days as he attempts to translate Summer League brilliance into a sustained, productive NBA career.