Caleb Wilson’s Preseason Performance Highlights Potential and Challenges Ahead

When seconds are left on the clock, Caleb Wilson wants the ball in his hands. This holds true even in preseason games, despite their absence from official records. During Friday’s game against the Memphis Grizzlies, the situation was intense. With 7.9 seconds remaining and the Chicago Bulls trailing 102-100, Wilson found himself with the ball. Positioned at the top of the arc, he aimed to secure victory.

Wilson executed a simple play: a ball screen, two dribbles to the right, and a stepback jump shot. He didn’t opt for a tie, looking instead for a win. Having already made five three-pointers, he felt confident about making another. But his shot fell short, hitting the front rim. Although the Bulls lost 104-100, Wilson stood by his decision. “We all trying to go home,” he joked post-game. “Trying to end the game right there. No overtime. I’m going for it all every time.”

Wilson has consistently addressed skepticism about his three-point shooting with confidence. Entering the NBA, doubts loomed over his ability to hit long-range shots consistently. At North Carolina, his role limited his three-point attempts to an average of 1.1 per game, resulting in a shooting percentage just under 26% from beyond the arc. This warranted caution about his potential to stretch the floor in the NBA.

However, Wilson’s performance on Friday sent a message. He made five of 11 three-point attempts, scoring 15 out of his 21 points from deep. This mimicked his summer league debut, where he made seven out of 11 attempts, kickstarting the game with consecutive shots. Yet, these achievements only hold weight when translated to regular season games. His opportunity arises soon, with the Bulls playing the Toronto Raptors on October 21.

Three Key Takeaways from the Loss

1. Matas Buzelis Exits with Ankle Injury

Matas Buzelis, the Bulls forward, encountered an ankle injury early in the game. An uncomfortable landing during a shot block attempt led to the incident. Although he initially shrugged off assistance from medical staff, a subsequent evaluation in the second quarter concluded his game time. In his short stint, Buzelis scored six points and achieved one block within 12 minutes and 29 seconds.

Post-game, Buzelis brushed off concerns, labeling the injury as minor. “It’s not bad,” he commented. “Just being smart in preseason. Just a little sore, nothing crazy. I tried to play. I hate missing games. I think I’ll be ready for Sunday.” He plans to accompany the team for their upcoming game against the Denver Nuggets.

2. Tobe Awaka’s Initial Major Challenge

The Bulls anticipate Tobe Awaka’s energetic play will compensate for his size deficiencies. At 6 feet 8 inches, the undrafted forward is known for his relentless pursuit of rebounds. Teammate Josh Giddey praised Awaka as one of the top offensive rebounders he’s encountered. Injuries to centers Nic Claxton and Zach Collins provided Awaka with extensive preseason minutes.

Awaka’s playing strategy focuses on three tasks: rebounding, screening, and passing. His peers commend his habit of passing the ball to the perimeter rather than attempting personal shots after an offensive board. While his aggressive style proved advantageous for the Bulls, Awaka faced predictable difficulties against Memphis’ 7-foot-3 Zach Edey. Awaka managed four offensive rebounds but recorded no points. He finished with seven rebounds, two assists, and two turnovers in over 24 minutes. Meanwhile, Edey produced an ordinary performance with 10 points and five rebounds in 16 minutes.

3. Lottery Matchup: Wilson and Boozer

Friday’s game spotlighted a familiar rivalry — Caleb Wilson versus Cameron Boozer, the No. 3 draft pick. Having played together in AAU basketball and competed against each other in college, they share a long history. Their mutual respect was evident during the predraft and summer league phases. The Grizzlies gave Boozer limited minutes, keeping him benched for the second half. Despite this, Boozer scored 10 points, contributed four rebounds, and assisted on three occasions in 12 minutes and 22 seconds.