Caleb Wilson Sprays 35 Points in Bulls Summer League Debut

Caleb Wilson, the No. 4 overall pick in the 2026 NBA Draft, erupted for 35 points on Friday, shattering the rookie scoring record in the Bulls’ Summer League contest. His haul eclipsed the previous mark set by No. 1 pick AJ Dybantsa, who had posted 27 points for Washington a night earlier. The explosive outing came in a 97‑96 loss to Memphis.

Wilson opened the game with five straight Bulls points, draining a top‑of‑the‑arc three and a midrange jumper. The block that captured fans’ attention came in the second quarter when he stole a pass at the 3‑point line and chased down Javon Small for a dramatic chase‑down block. He finished with 10‑of‑21 shooting, 7‑of‑11 from deep, plus 5 rebounds, 2 steals and 3 blocks.

Three‑point accuracy was a striking improvement for the 6‑foot‑10 forward. After shooting just 26 % on 27 attempts at North Carolina, Wilson’s 63.6 % clip in Las Vegas highlighted his developing range. He added confident step‑back threes and took several off‑dribble attempts, showing the offensive tools the Bulls hope to see in the regular season.

Wilson Sets Rookie Scoring Record

The 35‑point performance not only paced the game but also eclipsed the previous Summer League rookie high. It marked the first time a Bulls rookie topped 30 points in a Summer League showcase. Wilson’s efficiency extended beyond points, as his 7 threes became a career best at the NBA level.

Boozer Shines Alongside the Rookie

Memphis’ No. 3 pick, Cameron Boozer, responded with 23 points, 6 rebounds and 4 assists in his third Summer League appearance. He displayed versatility by running the offense and delivering back‑to‑back dunks that out‑illustrated Wilson’s second attempt. Boozer’s all‑court contributions reinforced his status as a potential immediate contributor.

Cedric Coward Provides Front‑Court Depth

Cedric Coward anchored Memphis’ front line with a double‑double of 15 points and 9 rebounds, supplementing the rookie spotlight. His 5 assists and 2 blocks added defensive poise, while his rhythm scoring kept the Grizzlies competitive. Coward’s performance illustrated that Memphis’s summer rotation stretches beyond the top prospects.

Summer League serves as a critical proving ground for draft prospects, offering a platform to showcase skills against real NBA competition. Wilson’s breakout evening will be a benchmark for evaluating his rookie season, while Boozer and Coward’s contributions hint at deeper depth across the league.