The Chicago Bulls are for the first time in a long time in prime position to turn things around. On Sunday, a strong sign of good things to come arrived when the Bulls locked up the No.4 pick in the NBA Draft Lottery.
The culminating point of a week that saw the introduction of Bryson Graham as the new Executive VP of Basketball Operations.
It's been predicted that North Carolina forward Caleb Wilson is destined to be that No.4 pick. Wilson is coming off a strong season at North Carolina in which he averaged 19.8 points and 9.4 rebounds per game. In the process, he set school records for 17 20+ point games and 24 consecutive double-doubles.
He also shot 58% from the field, including 46.6% in uncontested mid-range jumpers.
At 6-foot-10, he provides an abundance of strength, size, and versatility. A player who can score in bunches and can grab the boards with relentlessness, as well as push the tempo.
Altogether, Wilson has been compared to the likes of Evan Mosbey, Jonathan Issac, and even Giannis, per Kevin O'Connor of Yahoo Sports.
Meanwhile, the Bulls are coming off another losing season, going 31-51 and missing the playoffs once again. Then, they fired VP Arturas Karnisovas and GM Marc Eversley in early April. Shortly thereafter, Billy Donovan stepped down as head coach after six seasons.
Part of what the Bulls are looking for is versatility at both ends. They also need more athletes. In all, Wilson fits that mold and fits into what Graham values most.
Caleb Wilson “SLAPS” for the Bulls
Graham uses the acronym “SLAP” to describe the four qualities he looks for in talent—size, length, athleticism, and physicality. Without question, Wilson embodies all four of those.
His size and length need no explanation. The athletic part doesn't go unnoticed.
In a front court that consists of Matas Buzelis and Josh Giddey, Wilson would be a natural fit. Both like to push the ball, space the floor, and, in the case of Buzelis, attack the rim. Wilson isn't timid to do that, which is why he finished with 67 dunks in 24 games at North Carolina.
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At the other end, Wilson can go for the block or the rebound, and immeidtaly start to run the break. In situations involving screens, Wilson could run the pick-and-roll masterfully for the easy two inside. Plus, in transition, he can get way ahead of everyone for the lob.
When it comes to physicality, Wilson would have no issue.
On the defensive end, Wilson is the template the Bulls have long missed. Not only does his size work when down low, but he has the quickness to back it up. Guards would have a difficult time getting the cup when he is there, and usually the first. Something that Nikola Vucevic and Nick Richards didn't have.
If anything, he is a Jalen Smith-type player with a little more flair, who can lock it down on the blocks and in the paint.
On the other side of the ball, his physicality does wonders at the foul line. Wilson practically plays with no fear and a strong willingness to take it to the hole. He averaged 7.5 attempts per game at North Carolina and shot 71.3% from the foul line.
Overall, the Bulls have plenty to feel good about. One week has shown that better days are indeed ahead if they make it better. They got a VP of Basketball Operations who is up to speed on the game. They lucked out in a big way with a top-five pick when they had a 4.5% chance to do so.
Now they have that pick in their sights in Caleb Wilson, and they need to go for it.
Sweet Home Chicago can't afford to be the same old place any longer.
The Chicago Bulls are for the first time in a long time in prime position to turn things around. On Sunday, a strong sign of good things to come arrived when the Bulls locked up the No. 4 pick in the NBA Draft Lottery. The culminating point of a week that saw the introduction of Bryson Graham as the new Executive VP of Basketball Operations.