Bulls Rookie Caleb Wilson Scores 35 Points but Loses Summer League Debut 97-96

Chicago Bulls rookie Caleb Wilson scored 35 points in his summer league debut on July 10, 2026, the second-highest total in a Las Vegas summer league debut since the event began in 2004. Wilson's previous competitive game had been on February 10, 2026. His 2025-26 college season at North Carolina ended that month with a broken wrist.

He said he cried before the game because he was emotional about returning to the court. "It's been five months to the day since the last time I played," Wilson said after the 97-96 loss to the Memphis Grizzlies. " Wilson made seven 3-pointers, matching the total from his entire 24-game college career at North Carolina.

He also blocked three shots, recorded two steals and grabbed six rebounds while committing six turnovers. Memphis forward Cam Boozer scored 23 points, grabbed six rebounds and recorded four assists in the same game. Bulls coach Tiago Splitter said he was happy to see Wilson's aggressive start.

Wilson's 35 points ranked second to the 37 scored by Marco Belinelli in 2007, according to ESPN Research.