The question of how the top three picks in the 2026 NBA draft shake out has become one of the bigger storylines leading up to Tuesday’s first round, but despite the relative lack of drama regarding the No. 4 spot in the draft, Caleb Wilson is more than a consolation prize, Forbes’ Adam Zagoria writes.
“I think in a lot of other drafts, he could be No. 2,” said Paul Biancardi, ESPN’s national director of recruiting. “And maybe in some drafts, he could be No. 1. He reminds me of James Worthy, who played at North Carolina. He has that type of game in my eyes.”
Wilson’s game lacks some of the polish of a player like Cameron Boozer or AJ Dybantsa, but his physical gifts project as being elite from day one, with ESPN’s Jay Bilas calling him “probably the most dynamic athlete in the class.” He also showed a growing offensive repertoire during his lone season at UNC.
According to Zagoria, Wilson is enthusiastic about the prospect of being drafted by the Bulls, who hold the No. 4 pick in this year’s draft.
“I would be really excited to land there,” Wilson said. “I feel like I would bring a lot to their team, a lot of energy and charisma. Also I feel like I would be a leader, and that’s something I would bring to whatever team drafts me. And I would be as excited as I can be to be drafted by any team in the NBA because it’s always been a dream of mine.”
We have more notes from around the draft:
- Alabama guard Labaron Philon will work out for the Timberwolves, reports Chris Hine of the Star Tribune. The Wolves have the 28th pick in this year’s draft, while Philon’s expected draft range is considered to start in the late lottery. This has led to speculation that the Wolves may be considering moving up in the draft to target a player they like, as they did in the 2024 draft when they traded for the 8th pick to select Rob Dillingham. The Wolves are expected to pursue additional ball-handlers this summer, and Philon would certainly qualify.
- Keaton Wagler and Mikel Brown Jr. have both cancelled visits with the Kings, who hold the seventh overall pick, but Wagler may still visit the Nets prior to the draft, Jake Fischer of the Stein Line reports (via Twitter). Brown has already worked out for Brooklyn, which owns the No. 6 pick and appears to be high on the guard out of Louisville.
- The Pelicans are rumored to be looking to trade into the lottery. If they’re able to do so, there are some clear needs the team should be desperate to address, according to Rod Walker of NOLA.com: rebounding, rim protection, and three-point shooting. Nate Ament is one prospect the team reportedly has interest in.
