Caleb Wilson Scores 17 Points in Bulls Preseason Loss

Chicago Bulls rookie Caleb Wilson delivered another productive performance against the Denver Nuggets in an NBA preseason game Sunday, scoring 17 points and recording five assists despite Chicago's 133-128 defeat. The fourth overall pick in the 2026 NBA Draft also contributed four rebounds, one block and one three-pointer in 17 minutes on the court. According to NBC Sports, Wilson made six of 10 field-goal attempts and four of seven free throws.

He also committed five turnovers as Chicago continued its preseason preparations ahead of the regular season. Wilson's latest outing followed a 17-point performance against the Memphis Grizzlies on Friday, when he played 32 minutes. His shooting against Denver improved from that game, in which he made seven of 17 field-goal attempts, according to NBC Sports.

The Bulls selected Wilson fourth overall out of North Carolina in the 2026 NBA Draft, behind AJ Dybantsa, Darryn Peterson and Cam Boozer. His early preseason performances have placed him among the rookies attracting attention before the start of his first NBA regular season.

Bleacher Report highlighted Wilson's ability to contribute in several areas, citing his 6-foot-9 frame, wingspan, athleticism and perimeter scoring. Those physical attributes could allow him to defend multiple positions while providing an offensive presence both near the basket and beyond the paint. Wilson scored 15 points in his first preseason appearance before matching that total with 17 points against Memphis and Denver. The performances have established an encouraging early statistical record for the Chicago forward as he adjusts to professional competition.

Chicago's rebuilding process could also give Wilson opportunities to handle significant offensive responsibilities during the regular season. NBC Sports identified the rookie as a potential leading performer among his draft class, while noting that turnovers and shooting consistency remain areas to monitor as his NBA career develops. Wilson's official NBA debut was approaching, with Bleacher Report noting that it was just over a week away from the preseason coverage published Monday, October 12, 2026.