A New Era for Chicago
Caleb Wilson, the fourth overall selection in the 2026 NBA Draft, arrived in Chicago with a reputation forged at the University of North Carolina, where he averaged 19.8 points, 9.4 rebounds, 2.7 assists, 1.5 steals and 1.4 blocks per game during the 2025‑26 campaign. His summer league debut set a new standard, as he exploded for 35 points, establishing a scoring benchmark that has not been matched in recent memory.
Wilson quickly discovered a rhythm with the Bulls’ revamped roster, which now features Norman Powell, Josh Giddey, Nic Claxton and Matas Buzelis. The group has been working through scrimmages on Chicago’s South Side, where Wilson and Buzelis combined for dominant performances that have left coaches optimistic about the team’s chemistry heading into the regular season.
Buzelis, who started all 77 games he appeared in last season, posted a career‑high 16.3 points, 5.8 rebounds, 2.1 assists and 1.5 blocks per game for Chicago. His ability to stretch the floor and protect the rim complements Wilson’s inside presence, creating a dynamic frontcourt that could finally lift the franchise out of its four‑year playoff drought.
The Tar Heels’ season ended abruptly in a 19‑point collapse to Virginia Commonwealth University in the Round of 64, a loss that underscored the volatility of relying on a single star. Nonetheless, Wilson’s collegiate résumé remains impressive, and his early summer performances suggest he is ready to translate that potential into tangible wins for the Bulls.