A Record-Breaking Introduction
Caleb Wilson, the fourth overall selection in the 2026 NBA Draft, made a resounding statement during his Summer League debut for the Chicago Bulls on Friday. Wilson erupted for 35 points, establishing a new record for the most points scored in a debut performance, surpassing the 27-point mark set just a day earlier by Washington Wizards' top pick, AJ Dybantsa.
Despite Wilson’s individual brilliance, the Chicago Bulls narrowly fell to the Memphis Grizzlies with a final score of 97-96 in Las Vegas.
Wilson’s Versatility on Display
The 6-foot-10 forward wasted no time establishing his presence, accounting for the Bulls' first five points of the night. His offensive repertoire was on full display as he connected on 7-of-11 attempts from beyond the arc. Perhaps most notably, his perimeter shooting was a significant improvement from his collegiate performance at North Carolina.
Beyond his scoring, Wilson displayed defensive grit and high-level athleticism. A highlight of his performance occurred in the second quarter when he chased down Javon Small to record a spectacular block after a turnover, proving his impact extends to both ends of the floor. He concluded the game with an impressive stat line: 10-of-21 from the field, 5 rebounds, 2 steals, and 3 blocks.
The Boozer-Wilson Duel
The matchup featured a high-profile showdown between Wilson and Cameron Boozer, the third overall pick. Boozer, competing in his third Summer League appearance, proved why he is considered one of the top talents in the class. He paced the Grizzlies with 23 points, 6 rebounds, and 4 assists, effectively showcasing his ability to lead an offense.
«Boozer looked comfortable and was one of the best players on the court, frequently initiating the offense and creating opportunities in half-court sets,» observers noted of his impact on the game.
Supporting Casts and Upcoming Schedules
While the focus remained on the high draft picks, other players made key contributions. For Memphis, Cedric Coward recorded a double-double with 17 points and 10 rebounds, while Javon Small and Olivier-Maxence Prosper chipped in with 15 and 13 points, respectively. For Chicago, Jaylin Sellers added 15 points, while fellow first-round pick Dailyn Swain contributed 7 points.
The Bulls are set to continue their Summer League campaign on Monday against the Utah Jazz, featuring No. 2 overall pick Darryn Peterson, followed by a high-stakes meeting with AJ Dybantsa and the Wizards on Tuesday. The Grizzlies look ahead to a Monday evening contest against the Dallas Mavericks.