Caleb Wilson Scores 35 Points in Record-Breaking Chicago Bulls Debut

No. 4 overall pick Caleb Wilson recorded 35 points and seven 3-pointers in his first summer league game for the Chicago Bulls.

Caleb Wilson debuted for the Chicago Bulls in the Las Vegas summer league by scoring 35 points, marking the second-highest total for a rookie debut in the history of the event. The 6-foot-10, 215-pound forward converted seven 3-pointers during his first professional game, surpassing the total number of shots he made from behind the arc during his entire freshman season at North Carolina. Over four summer league appearances, Wilson averaged 23.5 points, 7.3 rebounds, 1.3 steals, and 2.5 blocks per game, earning a selection to the All-Summer League First Team.

Selected No. 4 overall in the June 2026 NBA draft, Wilson followed his record-setting debut with a highlight dunk over 6-foot-11 Utah Jazz center Jonas Aidoo. Despite his individual scoring output, the rookie expressed dissatisfaction with his 35-point performance because the Bulls lost the contest. His statistical production came after a college season at North Carolina where he averaged only 1.1 three-point attempts per game and suffered a broken thumb and left wrist fracture in February, injuries that prevented him from participating in the NCAA tournament.

Roster Changes and Front Office Leadership

The Chicago Bulls entered the 2026-27 offseason having missed the playoffs in eight of the last nine seasons. To address this, the organization hired Bryson Graham as the new head of basketball operations. Graham subsequently appointed Tiago Splitter as head coach, who previously led the Portland Trail Blazers to the No. 7 seed in the Western Conference as an interim coach. The revamped roster now includes veterans Norman Powell and Nic Claxton, alongside 20-year-old Wilson and fellow first-round selection Dailyn Swain, who was taken at No. 15 overall.

Wilson and Swain have established a routine at the team's practice facility, conducting morning sessions and returning between 8 p.m. and 9 p.m. for workouts that last until midnight. During these sessions, Swain noted Wilson’s ability to execute jab steps at the elbow and his proficiency with a midrange shot. While Wilson operated as the primary ball handler during summer league play, the regular-season rotation will feature Josh Giddey and third-year forward Matas Buzelis, who started 77 games last year, to assist with offensive distribution.

Coaching Philosophy and Player Development

Tiago Splitter coached the first two summer league games in Las Vegas to establish a team culture. His background includes player development roles with the Brooklyn Nets in 2019, where he worked with Jarrett Allen, and the Houston Rockets in 2023, where he coached Alperen Sengun. Splitter also oversaw Deni Avdija’s transition to an All-Star while in Portland. The new Bulls coach previously managed Paris Basketball in the French first division, leading them to the EuroLeague playoffs using a fast-paced offensive system.

Bryson Graham emphasized that the franchise is prioritizing internal growth over immediate playoff mandates in a competitive Eastern Conference. Wilson, however, stated his personal objective is to win the Rookie of the Year award. To prepare for the season, Wilson estimates he has been practicing between 2,000 and 2,500 3-pointers daily. This work ethic was highlighted when he requested to play on the second night of a back-to-back during the third game of the summer league, despite other top picks being shut down by their respective teams.

Fan Engagement and Physical Comparisons

On August 22, the Bulls hosted their annual two-day fan festival, Bulls Fest, at the United Center. Wilson served as a judge for a slam dunk contest held in the parking lot and participated in a meet-and-greet where lines extended through the atrium. His physical profile—characterized by elite athleticism and a wiry frame—has drawn comparisons to Hall of Fame forward Kevin Garnett. Golden State Warriors forward Draymond Green noted on his podcast that Garnett represents the "floor" for Wilson’s potential.

Beyond basketball, Wilson has spent his summer learning the guitar, playing genres ranging from classical and country to hip-hop. Splitter noted that their initial bond formed over a shared interest in music. As the 2026-27 season approaches, the team recently concluded a player-run minicamp in Miami to prepare for the upcoming training camp.