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Caleb Wilson Says Limited Three-Point Shooting In College Helped Him Get Drafted By Bulls
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- Caleb Wilson Says Limited Three-Point Shooting In College Helped Him Get Drafted By Bulls
Mandatory Credit: NBA.com
Chicago Bulls rookie Caleb Wilson is arguably among the most talented prospects in this year's draft class. While many have already taken note of the 20-year-old's potential going into his first NBA campaign, Wilson continues to exceed expectations.
Wilson was selected fourth overall in the 2026 NBA Draft, a promising sign given how deep the talent pool was. Although the forward's talent would be enough to justify this position, Caleb Wilson recently revealed that a key factor in his college performances may have cemented his place with Chicago.
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During an interview with ESPN's Jamal Collier , the 20-year-old opened up about his three-point shooting, which was a non-factor during his time at UNC. He shared:
"I'm glad I didn't shoot 3s in college. Because if I did, I wouldn't be here. I don't know where I'd be. I don't think I'd be a Bull."
Collier noted UNC's system, which didn't demand that Caleb Wilson attempt too many shots from outside the perimeter, and wrote:
"Wilson's seven made 3s were more than he made during his entire freshman season at North Carolina… To explain and perhaps ease those concerns, Wilson pointed to the system at North Carolina, one that did not ask him to take 3-pointers (he averaged 1.1 attempts per game), but he also noted how he began working to improve his shot once the college season ended."
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Wilson's apparent lack of three-point shooting ability, paired with his wrist injury, was widely viewed as the reason he fell to fourth in the 2026 NBA Draft. However, since recovering, Wilson has systematically worked toward expanding his offensive arsenal.
Reports suggest that Caleb Wilson shot between 2,000 and 2,500 three-pointers per day . Needless to say, his hard work paid off, as the forward dominated at the Las Vegas Summer League .
After witnessing Wilson in action at the Summer League, Bulls fans will be eager to see what he can do against NBA competition. With Bulls legend Horace Grant even suggesting the forward could be the best Bulls draft pick since Derrick Rose , expectations for him are high.
Is Caleb Wilson Chicago's Next Superstar?
The Chicago Bulls are one of the NBA's most successful franchises. Since their dominant run in the '90s led by Michael Jordan and Scottie Pippen , the Bulls have only looked competitive for short periods. However, with the arrival of Caleb Wilson, there is some optimism that the Bulls could see the rise of their next superstar.
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As mentioned earlier, Wilson's potential has already garnered attention from prominent figures in the game, including Kevin Garnett , who is often viewed as a direct player comparison . While possessing remarkable physical tools, the 20-year-old has also displayed phenomenal defensive instincts and athleticism.
Bulls rookie guard Dailyn Swain also noted Wilson's versatility by stating:
"Everybody highlights his athleticism, which is generational. But he can do a lot of things. He's really good facing up at the elbow, jab. He has a really good mid-range shot. He's been knocking down 3s, so he's widening his arsenal."
This was highlighted during his brief stint at the Summer League, where he averaged 23.5 points, 7.2 rebounds, 1.2 steals, and 2.5 blocks per game. When also factoring in that he shot 41.9% from three-point range on 7.8 attempts per game, Wilson's growth over the summer has been dramatic.
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As an elite two-way threat, the forward certainly has the makings of a superstar. However, given his commitment to improving his offensive repertoire, he boasts the potential to become the future face of the franchise.
Caleb Wilson is yet to kick off his NBA career, but the 20-year-old has already set some ambitious goals. While his plans to surpass Michael Jordan's legacy in Chicago may be long-term, the forward's commitment to winning the ROTY award may be more palatable in the immediate context.
In many ways, being part of the Bulls organization may have been the best thing for a young player like Caleb Wilson. With the franchise also undergoing a rebuild, with a new front office and a new head coach taking over, Wilson finds himself in an ideal environment to try new things and grow.
As things stand, the Bulls' core looks immensely promising , especially with players like Nic Claxton and Norman Powell joining this summer. While it is difficult to forecast how the team will perform in a relatively more competitive Eastern Conference, Chicago will certainly be worth keeping an eye on.
