LAS VEGAS, NV - JULY 10: Caleb Wilson #8 of the Chicago Bulls dribbles the ball during the game against the Memphis Grizzlies on July 10, 2026 at the Thomas & Mack Center in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by David Dow/NBAE via Getty Images)
LAS VEGAS, NV - JULY 10: Caleb Wilson #8 of the Chicago Bulls dribbles the ball during the game against the Memphis Grizzlies on July 10, 2026 at the Thomas & Mack Center in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by David Dow/NBAE via Getty Images)
With the fourth overall pick in the 2026 NBA Draft, the Chicago Bulls appear to have struck gold after selecting Caleb Wilson out of the University of North Carolina. Aside from being one of the most athletic players in his draft class, Wilson has shown tremendous developmental potential. But as promising as this is, the 20-year-old may command even more attention.
Historically, the Bulls have had an eye for drafting star-caliber talent. Therefore, joining a storied franchise with a stellar reputation naturally comes with its own set of expectations. On that note, while speaking about Caleb Wilson during a recent interview with Action Network’s Kyle Odegard, Bulls legend Horace Grant made a bold claim about the forward. He stated:
“Oh my goodness, man. What a beast. What a freakin’ beast. He has all the intangibles, the skill set. But what I love about him is that he has the mindset of a killer. A dog. He goes out and gets it.”
As Grant mentioned, Caleb Wilson has shown the potential to be an elite two-way player in the NBA, a quality that has existed since his college days. However, what impressed the four-time champion the most was the 20-year-old’s competitive mindset, a valuable trait for a franchise embracing a rebuild.
Having played alongside the likes of Michael Jordan and Scottie Pippen, Horace Grant clearly holds the Bulls’ rookie in high regard. But the legend took things a step further when he added:
“It’s one of the best draft picks since Derrick Rose. I’m not going to put him with MJ and myself and Pip, but since Derrick Rose, one of the greatest choices the Bulls have made, in my humble opinion.”
In some ways, Horace Grant may be biased while rating himself, Jordan, and Pippen ahead of Wilson. But given what the trio accomplished during their time with the Bulls, laying the foundation for the franchise’s dynasty in the ’90s, it is equally difficult to debate with the forward.
Regardless, the comparison to a player like Derrick Rose is quite promising. Given what the guard accomplished during his time in Chicago, which included winning the ROTY award and being named the league’s youngest MVP winner, the sky appears to be the limit for Caleb Wilson. And following his spectacular performance at the Las Vegas Summer League, Horace Grant was convinced, too.
“When you showcase yourself like that, especially in the Summer League, it gives us Bulls fans hope that he will be one of those pieces along with Josh (Giddey) and (Matas) Buzelis,” Grant continued. “There are more pieces that we need, but man, what I saw in Vegas, he’s the real deal.”
Although much of the media was focused on players like AJ Dybantsa, Darryn Peterson, and Cameron Boozer at the Summer League, Caleb Wilson earned his place in the spotlight. After a record-breaking performance in his first game, the Bulls’ forward continued to show off his potential as a versatile two-way threat, earning comparisons to Kevin Garnett.
Barring his remarkable averages of 23.5 points, 7.8 rebounds, 1.2 steals, and 2.5 blocks per game, while shooting 50.0% from the field and 41.9% from three-point range, Caleb Wilson showcased his intensity and sheer competitive desire. When also factoring in his single-minded commitment to improving different aspects of his game to prepare for NBA-level competition, the Bulls may have found a genuine star-caliber player.
As Horace Grant mentioned, the Bulls’ core is looking quite intriguing going into the 2026-27 season, especially after the additions of Norman Powell and Nic Claxton. Now, with a young player like Caleb Wilson being paired with a playmaker like Josh Giddey, the Bulls could be a surprising team to watch in the East in the upcoming campaign.