The NBA Summer League is always an opportunity for rookies to acclimate themselves to NBA-esque conditions while also developing chemistry with former rivals, teammates, and peers. Caleb Wilson, though, has been flat out shattering expectations. 

Wilson was on a tear through four summer league games, with averages of 23.5 points per game (on 50 percent shooting from the field), 7.3 rebounds, 1.3 steals, and 2.5 blocks showcasing his two-way ability. The tantalizing takeover potential was on full display as the former UNC Tar Heel was knocking down 41.9 percent of his 7.8 3-point attempts per game while throwing down thunderous dunks thanks to his otherworldly athleticism. 

Even though he was already a highly-touted recruit coming out of college, Wilson’s summer league exploits still caught others by surprise. Perhaps it’s because he is part of a draft class headlined by the likes of AJ Dybantsa, Darryn Peterson, and Cam Boozer. But it also may be due to how he has been unleashed from the system the Tar Heels have in place, a stint that saw him being named a consensus second-team All-American.  

Now, Wilson is showcasing the full repertoire and it’s an exciting prospect for the Chicago Bulls, who continue to search for success. Wilson joins an exciting core of Matas Buzelis, Josh Giddey, and veteran Norman Powell. New Bulls head coach Tiaggo Splitter would love to make him an integral part not just on offense, but also on defense, where Splitter can turn Wilson into a very disruptive defensive force. 

Nonetheless, summer league also revealed some areas that may require more polish. Free throws have been a pain point for Wilson, who has thus far converted on only 33.3 percent of his 4.5 free throw attempts. He was a 71.3 percent free throw shooter back in college, and given how free throw shooting is usually an indication of some degree of transition into shooting in the NBA, there’s a workable base already. The 19-year old’s 5.3 turnovers per game also led all summer league players and may be concerning in itself, but Wilson will not likely be asked to hold the ball a lot just yet. He can work on lessening his mistakes because taking on more responsibilities in the future.

Right now, though, the Chicago Bulls can be assured that the very early returns are promising. Caleb Wilson wasted no time in introducing himself during the 2026 NBA Summer League and the momentum is there for him not to be a cautionary tale. Health be willing he can be in the thick of the Rookie of the Year race this season but rather than go all out for Year One, they’d rather he stands out for the long run.