Chicago Bulls forward Caleb Wilson put on a dazzling show against fellow lottery pick Cameron Boozer and the Memphis Grizzlies on Friday. Wilson dropped 35 points to set the record for most points in a Las Vegas Summer League debut.
Wilson’s eye-popping display promptly sparked strong reactions from the NBA world.
Chicago Rookie Caleb Wilson’s Record-Setting Performance Leaves NBA World Stunned
Wilson, picked by the Bulls a spot behind Boozer at No. 4, had an injury-plagued collegiate campaign with the North Carolina Tar Heels this past season. Still, he impressed at the Chicago Draft Combine in May, making him one of the heavy favorites to land in the top 5.
After A.J Dybantsa, Darryn Peterson, and Boozer were called ahead of him, the Bulls couldn’t contain their excitement when the 6-foot-10 forward fell to them.
In just his first NBA appearance, Wilson is making his case that he could have been picked higher. The 19-year-old’s mind-boggling two-way play set the NBA community on fire.
“Thirty-five points in a debut is not normal at any level,” MiraSportsPicks posted.
Thirty-five points in a debut is not normal at any level.
— MiraSportsPicks (@vegasmirabet) July 11, 2026
“He’s the player I’ve been waiting to watch,” an X user wrote.
He’s the player I’ve been waiting to watch.
– Chicago FINALLY got them one in the draft after missing a few picks the last handful of years- he’s gonna be a legit cornerstone
-Chicago also has talent between both draft picks + Powell and Claxton to be a possible play in team— Aj (@1ofthe1nes) July 11, 2026
A Packers and Bulls supporter claimed:
“Bro is clearly the most talented from this draft.”
Bro is clearly the most talented from this draft
— Lambeau Villain (@PackersRunNFC) July 11, 2026
“These rookies going band for band in the Summer League,” The Hood Therapist added.
These rookies going band for band in the Summer League https://t.co/hhf1oRw1ZW
— The Hood Therapist (@OhhMar24) July 11, 2026
Another NBA observer noted:
“2026 NBA draft was special, top-tier talent everywhere.”
2026 NBA draft was special top tier talent everywhere https://t.co/flHshiYl8Q
— 🎒🏃🏾♂️🏁 (@mikebtrippin) July 11, 2026
A Wizards supporter commented:
“Low key was hoping we’d have the 4th pick in the draft. I said in 3-4 years he’d clearly be the best in this class. Might be sooner.”
Wizards fan here. Low key was hoping we’d have the 4th pick in the draft. I said in 3-4 years he’d clearly be the best in this class. Might be sooner.
— LutekeHightower (@LutekeHightower) July 11, 2026
The NBA world has been treated to impressive debuts the past week, but Wilson has potentially eclipsed them with a record-breaking performance.
A 25.9% shooter at North Carolina, Wilson’s long-range game shattered expectations. He made 7 of 11 attempts from 3-point distance, including one for his first basket and two more in the final eight seconds of the Grizzlies’ 97-96 win.
Boozer was superb as well. The No. 3 pick of this year’s draft scored 23 points, grabbed 6 rebounds, and dished out 4 assists.
Wilson’s next marquee matchup will be on Monday when the Bulls face the Jazz. On Tuesday, excitement has ramped up for a mouthwatering encounter between Wilson’s Bulls and Dybantsa’s Washington Wizards.
