Caleb Wilson's Summer League Hype Train Rolls Into Chicago
When the Chicago Bulls selected Caleb Wilson with the No. 4 overall pick in the 2026 NBA Draft, expectations were already high. But after a standout Summer League performance in Las Vegas, the hype around the former North Carolina Tar Heels standout has only intensified.
Wilson played in every Summer League game in Vegas, drawing praise from media personalities and NBA legends alike. The Chicago Sun-Times described him as "must-see-TV," and the buzz has not slowed down in the weeks since.
Comparisons to NBA Greats
Podcaster and media entrepreneur Bill Simmons was among the first to heap praise on Wilson. In a recent episode of his show, Simmons said he considered Wilson "the most undervalued guy at the draft, even at No. 4," and drew comparisons to Tracy McGrady and Shawn Kemp.
"He looked very T-Mac-ish to me," Simmons said, noting Wilson's 6-10 frame and inside-outside game. He also saw an "explosive Shawn Kemp side" to the rookie's play.
Warriors great Draymond Green went even further, suggesting Wilson "will be the most special of the group" and comparing his floor to Kevin Garnett.
"He's so good, and I think he's still clumsy," Green said. "I think he still can't walk and chew gum at the same time, and yet he's already that good right now."
Kevin Garnett himself attended Wilson's last Summer League game and reportedly dubbed the rookie "Little Ticket," a nod to his own nickname.
For his part, Wilson is keeping the comparisons in perspective. "I just have expectations of being Caleb Wilson," he said.
Horace Grant's Bold Endorsement
Former Bulls star Horace Grant has also weighed in, offering perhaps the strongest praise yet. In an interview with Kyle Odegard of ActionNetwork, Grant called Wilson "a beast" with "the mindset of a killer."
"What a beast. What a freakin' beast," Grant said. "He has all the intangibles, the skillset. But what I love about him is that he has the mindset of a killer. A dog. He goes out and gets it."
Grant went as far as to say Wilson is the Bulls' best draft pick since the team selected Derrick Rose with the No. 1 overall pick in 2008.
"It's one of the best draft picks since Derrick Rose," Grant said. "I'm not going to put him with [Michael Jordan] and myself and [Scottie Pippen], but since Derrick Rose, one of the greatest choices the Bulls have made, in my humble opinion."
Building Chemistry and Off-Court Hype
The excitement extends beyond the court. The Chicago Sun-Times reported that Wilson and fellow rookie Matas Buzelis participated in a South Side pro-am run, and Bulls veterans are expected to arrive for open runs at the Advocate Center as the team prepares for the season.
Off the court, Wilson's collectible cards have doubled in value since Summer League, a sign of his growing popularity.
As Wilson gears up for his rookie season, he does so with the weight of lofty comparisons and high expectations. But if his Summer League play is any indication, the hype train may have plenty of steam left.