Bulls rookie Wilson 'emotional' in stellar Summer League debut

Chicago Bulls rookie Caleb Wilson showed few signs of rust in Friday's stellar Las Vegas Summer League debut, his first competitive game since Feb. 10.

"It's been five months to the day since the last time I played," Wilson told ESPN's Jamal Collier following a 97-96 loss to the Memphis Grizzlies. "I've just been really emotional because I haven't been able to play."

Wilson's freshman campaign at North Carolina was blighted by injuries and ended prematurely due to a broken wrist. He was unable to participate in the NCAA Tournament with the Tar Heels, who lost to VCU in the first round.

"I felt terrible because my team lost in the [NCAA] tournament and my coach got fired. It just was a lot for me at that point," Wilson added. "So, coming out today, it just felt like I've been waiting so long for this opportunity. I'm just glad I got to come out here and play."

Wilson was selected by the Bulls with the fourth overall pick in the 2026 NBA Draft. He enters the league with plenty of hype and displayed his vast array of tools versus the Grizzlies.

The 19-year-old scored 35 points, the second-highest total for a Las Vegas Summer League debut since the event's inception in 2004. He made seven 3-pointers - matching his collegiate total in 24 outings - paired with five rebounds, three blocks, and two steals.

Wilson wasn't surprised by how well he played Friday. "I'm not shocked at all. I've been putting the work in."

Wilson matched up against Grizzlies' big man Cameron Boozer, who was selected one spot ahead of him with the third pick. Boozer recorded 23 points, six boards, and four assists in Friday's contest.

"He's a great player. Great players make a lot of shots," Boozer said following the game. "It was something maybe he didn't showcase a lot in college, but he's a great player and he started getting hot."