​Caleb Wilson, the Chicago Bulls forward and fellow lottery pick, dazzled in a standout performance against Cameron Boozer and the Memphis Grizzlies on Friday, pouring in 35 points to set a rookie Summer League debut record. His extraordinary display immediately ignited a flurry of reactions across the NBA world, underscoring the excitement surrounding his arrival in Chicago.
Wilson went No. 4 in the draft, just one spot behind Boozer, after a college season plagued by injuries with the North Carolina Tar Heels. Despite the setbacks, he shined at the Chicago Draft Combine in May, cementing his status as a strong favorite to crack the top five. After A.J. Dybantsa, Darryn Peterson, and Boozer were selected ahead of him, Bulls fans were left buzzing with delight as Wilson, a 6-foot-10 forward, unexpectedly slid to their franchise.
In his very first NBA appearance, Wilson is already making a compelling case that he could have been picked higher. The 19-year-old’s remarkable two-way performance generated a wildfire of discussion within the NBA community. Social media conversations reflected the excitement: MiraSportsPicks noted, “Thirty-five points in a debut is not normal at any level.” An X user commented, “He’s the player I’ve been waiting to watch,” while a Packers and Bulls supporter proclaimed, “Bro is clearly the most talented from this draft.” The Hood Therapist added that these rookies were “going band for band in the Summer League,” and another observer highlighted, “The 2026 NBA draft was special, with top-tier talent everywhere.” A Wizards fan even mused, “Low key I was hoping we’d have the 4th pick in the draft. I said in 3-4 years he’d clearly be the best in this class. Might be sooner.”
While many debut performances have raised eyebrows in recent days, Wilson’s 35-point outburst may be the most eye-catching so far. His shooting efficiency stood out, especially given his college mark of 25.9% from three. In the Summer League game against Memphis, he hit 7 of 11 from beyond the arc, converting his first triple early, then striking again as the clock wound down with two more threes in the final eight seconds of the Grizzlies’ 97-96 victory. The display showcased his range and confidence, elevating expectations for what he can contribute at the next level.
Boozer delivered a strong showing of his own, finishing with 23 points, six rebounds, and four assists, providing a solid complement to Wilson’s breakout performance. The Bulls’ roster now looks to capitalize on this momentum as Wilson continues to make his case as a high-impact contributor.
Looking ahead, Wilson’s next marquee matchup arrives Monday when Chicago battles the Utah Jazz, followed by a highly anticipated Tuesday meeting between Wilson’s Bulls and A.J. Dybantsa’s Washington Wizards. The weekend sequence promises to be a thrilling test of Wilson’s growing game and the Bulls’ developing chemistry around him as they navigate these elite Summer League showdowns. This stretch will also offer a clearer sense of whether Wilson’s electrifying Summer League debut is an early indicator of the ceiling many anticipate for him as a cornerstone of Chicago’s future.