Selected fourth overall in Tuesday’s first round, former North Carolina big man Caleb Wilson has set lofty goals for himself, both as a rookie in 2026/27 and for his career, writes Jamal Collier of ESPN.com.
“I expect to have Rookie of the Year, honestly,” the Bulls forward/center said. “I’m going to work hard. I’m going to do what it takes. I feel like the team is really good for me and how I envision to play.”
As Collier notes, Wilson made a comment about wanting to be “one of the GOATs” after he was drafted. He said at his introductory press conference Friday that his confidence stems from his work ethic.
“Me saying I want to do something and me putting the actions behind it and becoming a great player, all things that I feel like I’m capable of,” Wilson said. “Striving for something is something that we all do. Striving to be the greatest ever is, it is a bold thing to say, but that’s what I’m striving for. I’m not striving to be an average or mediocre player.
“And if I reach that goal, I do. If I don’t, then at least I know I tried.”
Here’s more on the Bulls:
- On the first episode of his new show, Summer With The Bear (YouTube Link), Guerschon Yabusele discussed his decision to sign with the Knicks instead of the Nuggets last summer, his brief and ill-fated time in New York, and the February trade to the Bulls. The French veteran, an unrestricted free agent, said playing in Chicago was a high point in a difficult season, as Eurohoops.net relays. “This season I had this year was probably one of the toughest seasons I’ve had because things didn’t really go the way I hoped they would,” Yabusele said. “There were challenges, but that’s also why I play basketball and why I love it. It’s all about the work it takes to get there. Nothing comes easy.” Yabusele also talked about playing for the French national team for the summer qualifying windows for the 2027 World Cup.
- At Friday’s presser introducing Wilson and 15th pick Dailyn Swain, new head of basketball operations Bryson Graham made it clear where the Bulls’ on-court priorities lie. ‘‘[Defense is] going to be the calling card for our team to begin with,’’ Graham said, per Joe Cowley of The Chicago Sun-Times. ‘‘Coach [Tiago Splitter] has really, really put an emphasis on that as we’ve talked. Being a rookie, you’ve gotta earn your keep. The fastest way to earn playing time and opportunity is on the defensive side of the ball. As Dailyn comes in and Caleb comes in, I’m looking for them to be tone-setters on that side of the floor and be pillars for this organization going forward.’’
- Lukas Walton and his wife Samantha Walton have purchased a minority stake in the Bulls and the United Center, according to a team press release. Lukas Walton, the grandson of Walmart founder Sam Walton, had an estimated net worth of $39.8 billion as of last year, according to Forbes. The Waltons bought existing minority shares in the team.
