Caleb Wilson puts 2026 NBA rookies on notice

Imagn Images

Caleb Wilson puts 2026 NBA rookies on notice

Originally posted on ChiCitySports | By Zack Pearson | Last updated Jun 26, 2026 8:48 PM ET

The excitement around the Chicago Bulls is high right now, following the selections of Caleb Wilson and Dailyn Swain. With Bryson Graham taking over in charge of the front office, it’s officially a new era of Bulls basketball.

Both Wilson and Swain will be the faces of this rebuild, along with Matas Buzelis and Josh Giddey. The task is to get the franchise back to the glory days and back in contention for an NBA title.

Specifically, the selection of Wilson has drawn a lot of praise for the Bulls. National and local media are praising the selection and just how good Wilson can be in terms of his NBA career. But as Wilson was introduced for the first time as a member of the Bulls, he sent a stern message to the rest of his rookie class.

Caleb Wilson has message for three NBA Draft picks ahead of him

Feb 7, 2026; Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA; North Carolina Tar Heels forward Caleb Wilson (8) shoots as Duke Blue Devils forward Cameron Boozer (12) defends in the first half at Dean E. Smith Center. Mandatory Credit: Bob Donnan-Imagn Images

During his introductory press conference, Wilson spoke on being the No. 4 overall pick. He went after AJ Dybantsa, Darryn Peterson and Cameron Boozer. And Wilson is remembering that he was taken after them despite playing well against all three.

“I played all of them. Meaning, you know what happened when I played them….and I get to play them in Summer League too,” Wilson said. “So, whatever needs to be done to prove that I’m on the same level, or that I’m better, I’ll do it.”

Caleb on being picked behind Boozer, AJ, DP

"I played all of them. Meaning, you know what happened when I played them….and I get to play them in Summer League too. So, whatever needs to be done to prove that I'm on the same level, or that I'm better, I'll do it." https://t.co/h5pQ0PE12C

— Will Gottlieb (@Will_Gottlieb) June 26, 2026

Wilson matched up against all three in his one season at North Carolina. He defeated Boozer and Peterson in regular season games but fell against Dybantsa in a exhibition game in the preseason.

This isn’t shocking to anyone who has followed Wilson, either. He finds motivation wherever he can, using his cellphone wallpaper and changing it to something that will make him remember when he was doubted. Wilson has a lot of confidence as well and he plans on using that to his advantage.

That should be a great thing for the Bulls and the future they have with Wilson.

This article first appeared on ChiCitySports and was syndicated with permission.

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