Bulls fans have been through a lot over the last 18 years, hoping that each new draft pick would be the one to turn things around. There was hope for Doug McDermott, Bobby Portis, Denzel Valentine, and more recently, Wendell Carter, Chandler Hutchison, and Patrick Williams. Sometimes the disappointment was quick, like with Marquis Teague, and other times it dragged on, with the front office reminding everyone to be patient.
But with Caleb Wilson, it feels different. There’s not just hope; there’s a growing sense of certainty that he’s the real deal. It’s not just local excitement—executives and coaches around the league are acknowledging that Wilson’s rise to stardom seems bound to happen. All eyes are on the Bulls as Wilson makes his debut against the Raptors, and he’s ready for the moment.
Wilson isn’t just talking big; he’s putting in the work. Bryson Graham, the executive vice president, has seen him at the practice facility late at night, with the sound of a bouncing ball and music echoing through the arena. Wilson says he’s prepared, and it’s just about showing what he can do.
And it’s not just Wilson—Matas Buzelis is also stepping up, and together they could be the foundation for a successful rebuild. Even if the Bulls don’t win a ton of games this season, having these two average 20 and 10 points respectively would be a huge win. Coach Tiago Splitter is keeping things grounded, wanting the players to enjoy the competition and take it one game at a time.
In other news, the Bulls picked up contract options for Matas Buzelis and Noa Essengue, with Buzelis set for restricted free agency in 2028.
