Most rookies stick to safe answers about team chemistry or their work ethic. Caleb Wilson did not do that. During a recent installment of pro basketball player Jared Brownridge’s “Link with JB podcast,” the fourth overall pick shared four things Chicago sports fans need to know about him. The first point was blunt and immediate. “Number one, Green Bay sucks,” Wilson said. This comment hits the heart of Windy City sports fandom, even though the Packers play in the NFL and not the NBA.
Wilson is only five games into his NBA career, yet he is already drawing comparisons to legends. Michael Jordan and he stand as the only rookies in Bulls history to accumulate 100+ points across their first five career games. According to Heavy.com, Wilson scored 104 points in that span, while Jordan had 116 points during his 1984 season. The forward is averaging 20.8 points and 7.0 rebounds per game through his first pro stretch. He reached the 20-point plateau on Wednesday against the defending NBA Champions, the New York Knicks.
The Four Points That Matter
Beyond the rivalry jab, Wilson laid out a clear vision for the franchise’s future. He promised that the team will get some good wins and that fans will eventually think the Chicago Bulls are fire again. He also shared a personal quirk about his diet, noting that he does not like ketchup on his hot dogs anymore. The final point was simple optimism. “And number four, it’s a great day to be in Chicago. That’s pretty much it,” Wilson said.
His performance on the court backs up his confidence. Wilson scored 35 points in his NBA Summer League debut, setting a record for the event. His home debut on October 24 also yielded a career-high 30 points. He is shooting 41.3% from the field while attempting 7.2 shots from deep per game, a skill Michael Jordan did not use in his first five games.
A Dynamic Duo Taking Shape
The rebuild looks different when Wilson shares the floor with third-year forward Matas Buzelis. In the loss to the Knicks, genuine glimpses of what their future partnership might entail were displayed by the two. Tiago Splitter, the head coach, observed their play closely after the game. “I think they played better together and also when they were not together,” Splitter said of Wilson and Buzelis. He added that the pair “were aggressive. Tried to make plays, took care of the ball … I can go to sleep with a fight like this.”
Buzelis is also finding his rhythm, hitting 3-of-6 from three-point range in that game against the Knicks. He had 17 points, five rebounds, and three assists in the contest. Buzelis sees his rookie teammate evolving each day and believes the team is slowly building. “For sure that felt like the best we’ve showed out so far this season,” Buzelis said. He noted that it is a new team and tough, but they are going to be great if they keep working hard.
Wilson has taken on a playmaking role that surprised many, including himself. He delivered a nasty block and a picture‑perfect alley‑oop pass to Buzelis for a slam in the second quarter. Wilson explained his new mindset, stating he has learned to accept that he attracts a lot of gravity to get his teammates open. He is managing high expectations while adjusting to the speed of the NBA. The upcoming challenge for this duo involves facing a Boston team that recently defeated them at the Garden.
While the Bulls lost to the Knicks 133-127, the energy from the young core was undeniable. The team fed off their energy, even if the halfcourt offense still needs work. Splitter sees a clear play style to build around these two uber-athletic wings.
