Oct 11, 2026; Denver, Colorado, USA; Chicago Bulls forward Caleb Wilson (8) before the start of the pre season game against the Denver Nuggets at Ball Arena. Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-Imagn Images
Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-Imagn Images
So far, things have been going pretty well for Caleb Wilson. The Chicago Bulls' top rookie has made a decent impression in his first 3 games of the 2026-27 NBA preseason.
On Sunday, the Bulls hit the road to play against the Denver Nuggets. For Wilson, it was his chance to face his ‘idol,' Nikola Jokic, per NBA. Wilson is still trying to process it, given how much he admires Jokic. Wilson had talked at length about what Jokic means to him in May while taking part in the NBA Combine.
“I really like Jokić, that's my favorite player!” Wilson said at the time. Also, Wilson posted on Instagram:
“bro was my favorite player when I was younger.”
"I really like Jokić, that's my favorite player!"
A full circle moment for @CalebWilson2025 as he got to meet one of his basketball inspirations after last night's preseason game 🙌 https://t.co/pSBigOtZ5d pic.twitter.com/WCfo82FlLA
— NBA (@NBA) October 12, 2026
Ultimately, the Nuggets defeated the Bulls 133-128. Wilson finished the game with 17 points, 5 assists, and 4 rebounds. Overall, Wilson shot 6-for-10 from the field. Meanwhile, Jokic finished with a triple-double of 22 points, 10 rebounds, and 11 assists.
After the game, both shared an embrace.
The Bulls are now 1-2 as they go through preseason with the regular season just around the corner. Altogether, Wilson is averaging 17.7 points, 3.7 rebounds, and 2.3 assists per game in the preseason thus far.
Wilson is proving his abilities by holding his own against venerable NBA talent. There is no question that Wilson is destined for big things this year, including a run at the NBA Rookie of the Year Award.
The Bulls will play against the Milwaukee Bucks on the road on Wednesday, October 14, at 7:00 pm CST/8:00 pm EST. Their final home preseason game is scheduled for Friday against the Minnesota Timberwolves.