Full Breakdown
Bulls herald Caleb Wilson as top draft pick since Derrick Rose
8/25/2026, 10:34:45 PM
Bulls select Caleb Wilson with No. 4 overall pick
The Chicago Bulls used the No. 4 overall selection in the 2026 NBA Draft to add former North Carolina Tar Heel forward Caleb Wilson. The pick follows a lottery win after the Bulls finished 12th in the Eastern Conference with a 31-51 record. Wilson was chosen ahead of prospects AJ Dybantsa, Darryn Peterson and Cameron Boozer.
Wilson’s college and Summer League performance
In his final season at UNC, Wilson appeared in 24 games and posted averages of 19.8 points, 9.4 rebounds, 2.7 assists, 1.5 steals and 1.4 blocks, earning All-ACC honors. During the 2026 NBA Summer League, he elevated his production, averaging 23.5 points, 7.3 rebounds, 2.5 blocks and 1.3 steals across four games, reinforcing his status as a top-four draft prospect.
Horace Grant’s endorsement
Three-time Bulls champion Horace Grant praised Wilson’s talent and mindset in an interview with Action Network host Kyle Odegard. Grant described Wilson as a “beast” with the “intangibles” and a “killer” mentality, emphasizing his willingness to “go out and get it.” He further stated that the selection ranks among the franchise’s best choices since the 2008 pick of Derrick Rose, though he stopped short of comparing Wilson to Michael Jordan, himself, or Scottie Pippen.
Potential impact for Chicago
Grant’s appraisal suggests the Bulls view Wilson as a cornerstone for immediate improvement. His demonstrated scoring, rebounding and defensive versatility in both college and Summer League indicate the potential to contribute early in his rookie season. If Wilson fulfills the expectations expressed by the former champion, the Bulls could see a faster turnaround from their recent sub- .500 performance.
