Caleb Wilson Posts 17 Points in Bulls' Preseason Loss to Nuggets
Caleb Wilson, the fourth pick in the 2026 NBA draft, scored 17 points in Chicago's 133-128 preseason defeat to Denver. The North Carolina product also recorded four rebounds and five assists while making 6 of 10 field-goal attempts. He has now scored 15 and 17 points in his first two preseason games.
Wilson, selected fourth overall in 2026, logged 25 minutes in Sunday's 133-128 exhibition defeat. He shot 6-of-10 from the field, 1-of-4 from three and 4-of-7 at the line, adding four rebounds, five assists, one block and five turnovers. The North Carolina product had 15 points in his preseason opener and 17 versus Memphis on Friday.
The 6-foot-9 forward was drafted after AJ Dybantsa, Darryn Peterson and Cam Boozer. His size and wingspan allow him to defend multiple positions, while his athleticism and shooting give him scoring options inside and outside. With his official NBA debut about a week away, he is already drawing rookie-of-the-year consideration.
For Chicago fans and NBA followers, Wilson's early preseason showings could renew interest in the Bulls and add attention to the rookie-of-the-year conversation. His performance may also shape expectations for the 2026 draft class, affecting how media and supporters evaluate other first-year players. More broadly, a promising young athlete can become a local source of civic pride, though preseason results alone rarely change long-term social or economic conditions.