Full Breakdown
Summer League Showdown: Caleb Wilson’s 35-Point Debut in a 97-96 Bulls Loss
7/11/2026, 12:33:19 PM
Core Event
On Friday, July 10, 2026, the Chicago Bulls faced the Memphis Grizzlies in the opening night of the Las Vegas NBA Summer League. The No. 4 overall 2026 draft pick, Caleb Wilson, recorded a game-high 35 points on 12-for-21 shooting (7-for-11 from three) while adding five rebounds, two steals and three blocks. Despite his output, the Bulls fell 97-96. The No. 3 overall pick, Cameron Boozer, led Memphis with 23 points (7-for-12 shooting), six rebounds and four assists, securing the win.
Background & Context
Wilson entered the league after a fractured right thumb ended his freshman season at North Carolina on Feb. 10, 2026. The injury kept him off the court for five months, during which he watched his team lose in the NCAA tournament and his coach was dismissed. Drafted fourth overall by Chicago, Wilson carried high expectations and a reputation for holding grudges against players he felt had slighted him in high school and college.
Data & Statistics
- Caleb Wilson: 35 points (12-21 FG, 7-11 3PT), 5 reb, 2 stl, 3 blk, 6 TO.
- Cameron Boozer: 23 points (7-12 FG), 6 reb, 4 ast (some reports list 21 points).
- Bulls: 43.5 % FG, 43.8 % 3PT, 96 % free-throw (9-9).
- Grizzlies: 14.3 % 3PT (3-21), 43.5 % FG overall.
- Wilson’s 35 points are the second-most ever in a Las Vegas Summer League debut since the event’s inception in 2004, trailing only Marco Belinelli’s 37 in 2007.
Official Statements & Responses
Bulls head coach Tiago Splitter praised the rookie’s effort, saying, “We’re getting to know him. The first game, of course, he played extremely well shooting the ball and doing different things, but this is a long road. Repetition of everything. I’m proud of the effort they put in.”
Wilson acknowledged the loss, noting his turnover count and missed box-outs, and emphasized the need for continued improvement.
Criticism & Opposition
Analysts highlighted Wilson’s ball-handling lapses, citing six turnovers and occasional over-dribbling that led to lost possessions. The Bulls’ overall lack of ball protection was noted, with rookie guard Dailyn Swain also contributing turnovers.
Verbatim Quotes
- “It's been five months to the day since the last time I played,” — Caleb Wilson
- “I’ve been working on it hard for a long time, so I’m not shocked at all,” — Caleb Wilson
- “He's a great player. Great players make a lot of shots,” — Cameron Boozer
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
Sources differ on Boozer’s point total: ESPN’s box score lists 23 points, while a Bleacher Report recap records 21 points. No further clarification is provided.
What’s Next
The Grizzlies will play the Dallas Mavericks on Monday, July 13, 2026 (7 ET, ESPN). The Bulls are scheduled to face the Utah Jazz later that night (9 ET, ESPN). These matchups will offer both rookies additional opportunities to refine their games as the Summer League progresses.
