Caleb Wilson, the No. 4 overall pick in the 2026 NBA Draft, absolutely exploded onto the Summer League scene on Friday, dropping an insane 35 points for the Chicago Bulls. Yeah, you read that right: thirty-five! This rookie record debut, even in a narrow 97-96 loss to Cameron Boozer’s Memphis Grizzlies, immediately put everyone on notice. He didn't just top the charts, he blew past the 27 points scored by No. 1 pick AJ Dybantsa for the Wizards just the day before. Talk about making a first impression!
Wilson's Offensive Firepower Is Legit
Right from the jump, Wilson showed why the Bulls snagged him at No. 4. The 6-foot-10 forward scored Chicago's first five points, hitting a three-pointer from the top of the arc and then following it up with a slick midrange jumper from the baseline. But the real jaw-dropper? His three-point shooting. This kid, who only shot a paltry 26% on 27 long-range attempts in his lone season at North Carolina, knocked down 7-of-11 from deep in his first NBA action! Seven! That's not a fluke, that's a statement. He was pulling up off the dribble, nailing stepback threes, and even hit two in the closing eight seconds of the game. His confidence from beyond the arc was undeniable, and frankly, it was eye-opening for anyone watching. Overall, Wilson wasn't messing around, hitting 10-of-21 from the floor in an all-around impressive performance.Boozer's Squad Takes the W, But Wilson's All-Around Game Shines
While Wilson was lighting up the scoreboard, the Grizzlies, led by No. 3 pick Cameron Boozer, still managed to snatch the 97-96 win in Las Vegas. Boozer, playing in his third Summer League game, looked comfortable out there, leading Memphis with 23 points on 7-for-12 shooting. He even pulled off back-to-back dunks early in the first quarter, getting the better of Wilson on the second one by poking the ball away for the score. Boozer showed his playmaking chops too, grabbing 6 rebounds, dishing out 4 assists, and adding a steal and a block. He was bringing the ball up the court and creating offense like a seasoned vet. But don't sleep on Wilson's impact beyond scoring. The rookie wasn't just a shooter; he filled the stat sheet with 5 rebounds, 2 steals, and 3 blocks. His chasedown block in the second quarter was pure hustle, racing down the court after his own pass was stolen by Javon Small and denying what looked like a sure fast-break layup. That's the kind of all-effort play that makes you stand up and cheer! And let's not forget Cedric Coward, who pitched in 17 points, 10 boards, 5 assists, and 2 blocks for Memphis, drawing some attention away from the rookies in the process. This opening weekend in Summer League set the stage for some serious rookie battles. Even though the Bulls took the L, Wilson's record-setting debut showed us a glimpse of something special. We're already hyped to see what Caleb Wilson does next. Are you ready for more?This article was created with AI assistance and reviewed by Seattle On Tap editorial staff. Always verify information with official team sources.