Caleb Wilson made an electrifying return to the court on Tuesday, stepping onto the NBA Summer League floor for the first time in 150 days and immediately announcing his presence with a 35‑point outburst. The No. 4 overall pick in the draft, who had been sidelined by a fracture to his non‑shooting hand in February, delivered a performance that left spectators buzzing.
A Record‑Breaking Debut
Wilson’s 35 points not only set a new benchmark for Summer League debuts but also highlighted his shooting efficiency. He drained seven three‑pointers, a number that exactly matches the total he recorded over his entire college career at the University of North Carolina. The barrage of long‑range shots underscored a confidence that had been building through months of rehabilitation.
From College Stardom to Injury
Before the injury, Wilson had been one of the ACC’s most dominant freshmen, ranking among the conference’s top five in scoring, rebounding, field‑goal percentage and double‑doubles. He averaged 19.8 points and 9.4 rebounds per game, shot 58.3 % from the floor and posted 66 dunks, the most in the nation for a freshman. His freshman season was cut short when the hand fracture forced him to miss the final 12 games, ending his college eligibility early.
Looking Ahead
Despite the loss his team incurred in the Summer League game, Wilson remained upbeat, stating that the focus now is on building momentum for the next matchup. ‘I’m just ready to keep moving forward,’ he said, a sentiment that resonates with both his coaching staff and the Chicago Bulls organization, the team that selected him fourth overall.