Caleb Wilson dropped 35 points on Friday against the Memphis Grizzlies to set the Las Vegas Summer League debut scoring record. The 6-foot-10 forward, who last played on Feb. 10, sparked buzz after his impressive debut.
Despite the stellar performance, the No. 4 pick of the 2026 NBA Draft gave a pointed response to his jaw-dropping display.
Bulls Rookie Caleb Wilson Keeps It Real Following Historic Summer League Debut
The former North Carolina Tar Heel filled up the stat sheet with 35 points, 5 rebounds, 3 blocks, and 2 steals in 33 minutes. Wilson shot 12-for-21, including a staggering 7-for-11 from behind the arc.
Despite Wilson’s outstanding play, the Bulls lost 97-96 to Cameron Boozer (No. 3 pick) and the Grizzlies.
When asked to comment on his record-setting night, Wilson responded:
“We lost. I mean, that’s my goal, to come here and win. Of course, it’s cool. Somebody’s going to break it (scoring record) one day. They always do. I’m happy that I got the record, ready to move on to what’s next.”
Caleb Wilson when told his 35 points set an unofficial Summer League debut record:
“We lost.”
(via @KCJHoop)pic.twitter.com/w4NW4aMgNN
— Underdog NBA (@UnderdogNBA) July 11, 2026
Memphis led 89-81 with 3:31 left before Chicago nearly rallied for a come-from-behind win. Wilson’s 25-footer inched the Bulls to within 95-93, but Boozer was fouled with five seconds remaining.
The former Duke star nailed two crucial free throws to give the Grizzlies a 97-93 advantage. However, Wilson wasn’t done. He hit a 28-footer to make it a one-point game before time expired.
Wilson wasn’t all highlights, though. He committed 6 turnovers, which he mentioned in the postgame conference as a key reason the Bulls lost. The rookie also noted that there were times he failed to box out in the paint.
Still, the Bulls couldn’t be any happier with how Wilson’s debut turned out.
Despite playing for the first time in roughly five months, Wilson was explosive and aggressive on both ends. Surprisingly, he was the game’s best shooter despite hitting only 25.9% from deep at North Carolina.
Wilson’s 7 3-pointers on Friday matched what he made in 24 games with the Tar Heels.
The defense was also as good as advertised. He recorded three blocks, but he changed more shots around the rim with his length and athleticism.
Around the midway point of the second quarter, he made what was likely the highlight of the game. After a careless behind-the-back pass that resulted in a turnover, he made up for it by chasing speedy Grizzlies guard Javon Small for an emphatic rejection.
Wilson had a historic night, but he’s ready to move on to the next challenge, which will be on Monday against Darryn Peterson, the No. 2 pick, and the Utah Jazz.
