Bulls rookie Caleb Wilson says he's
going to try to lead, not blend in
[September 29, 2026]
By MATT CARLSON
CHICAGO (AP) — A second prominent Caleb could make a splash this
season on the sports scene in Chicago.
Rookie Bulls forward Caleb Wilson is facing lofty expectations as
the young centerpiece of the rebuilding NBA team, something
now-injured quarterback Caleb Williams has been accomplishing with
the NFL's Bears.
And like Williams, whose prolific passing and nimble footwork led
the Bears to an unexpected 11-6 record and division title last
season, the 20-year-old Wilson seems to have arrived with a bit of a
confident edge.
“Well in my opinion, there’s no leadership while blending in, so I’m
definitely not going to try to blend in," Wilson, the No. 4 overall
pick in the NBA draft, said Monday at the Bulls' media day. “I am
going to go in there and try to lead by example.
“I feel like as a rookie, people respect actions more than respect
voice or words. So I’ll let my actions lead."
The Bulls are trying to climb from a 31-51 record in 2025-26 when
they missed the playoffs for the fourth straight season. Chicago
allowed 121.5 points per game, ranking 28th overall in the NBA.
The 6-foot-10 Wilson was considered possibly the most athletic
player in the draft. Known for his finishing ability, the forward
averaged 19.8 points and 9.4 rebounds in 24 games with North
Carolina last season before it was cut short by left hand and right
thumb injuries.
Wilson is good to go and has been impressing new first-year
executive vice president of basketball operations Bryson Graham and
new coach Tiago Splitter with his work ethic and willingness to
learn as the team get its formal training underway.
“The expectations are probably pretty high because Caleb is pretty
outspoken,” Graham said. “But internally we know that it’s a season
of growth and development. We have to be OK with giving him grace
throughout this year, because he’s going to have some ups and down.
“It’s exciting because Caleb has all the potential in the world and
we just, kind of like, have to water that seed correctly. You know,
in that time, it will sprout into something really beautiful.”
Wilson has been working on strength and conditioning to navigate NBA
play. He and Splitter have yet to talk about a specific role, with
both saying that will evolve. Wilson says he thinks Splitter, a
41-year-old from Brazil who played seven seasons in the NBA, will
"allow him to go out there and play” and be direct if he need to
make changes.
[to top of second column] |
Chicago Bulls head coach Tiago Splitter speaks to the media during
the NBA basketball team's media day Monday, Sept. 28, 2026, in
Chicago. (AP Photo/Paul Beaty)
Wilson said he’s fluid about what he wants to
accomplish as a rookie.
“I’m more of a process guy than an outcome guy,” he said. “That’s
how I’ve been … just as of late because, you know, you can’t control
the outcome of things if you don’t focus on the process.”
The Bulls are below the NBA’s salary cap and have room for
additions. They signed 11-year veteran guard Norman Powell, an
All-Star last season with Miami, to a two-year free-agent deal.
Chicago also traded for 27-year-old center Nic Claxton and guard
Buddy Hield, who is 33.
Graham said he could add more, depending on how much framework
youngsters like Wilson, 22-year-old forward Matas Buzelis, No. 15
2026 draft pick Dailyn Swain and No. 12 2025 pick Noa Essengue need
to experience success — and win a little now — as the Bulls build a
foundation for long-term success.
“I think we accomplished some and we’re still in the game for
others,” Graham said. “As you’re developing, you know, now I think
it’s better to develop with a more competent roster."
Point guard Josh Giddey, who directed an up-tempo game when healthy
last season, said he’s not sure if he qualifies as a veteran since
he’s still only 23, albeit entering his sixth season. Giddey set
career highs last year with averages of 17 points, 8.3 rebounds and
9.1 assists in 54 games.
Giddey, who is fully recovered following right ankle surgery, also
has been impressed by Wilson.
“It’s obviously a different kind of level when you play against real
NBA talent in the regular season,” Giddey said. “But one thing he
doesn’t lack is confidence."
All contents © copyright 2026 Associated Press. All rights reserved
 |
