Now that we’ve had a night to sleep on it, let’s grade Caleb Wilson’s debut for the Chicago Bulls.
The Bulls kicked off their 2026-27 NBA campaign last night in Toronto with a humiliating loss to the Raptors, the worst opening-night loss in franchise history. A new team with growing pains and rebuilding expectations taking on a contending team known for its elite defense was always going to be an ugly watch. But the hope was for a product that was at least a bit more competitive and structured.
But we’re not here today to break down the performance of the team as a whole. Firstly, because there was a lot to unpack, but also because it’s just one out of 82 games. The Bulls could win all 81 remaining games and no one will remember tonight.
What will be remembered is the debut of the fourth overall pick in the 2026 NBA Draft, Caleb Wilson.
So, let’s break it down.
Scoring – C –
On the surface, a 16-point performance is good for a debut. It was the second-highest scoring total of any Chicago Bull last night. But it’s the efficiency that makes you take a step back.
He shot 7-of-21 from the field and just 1-of-8 from behind the arc. Twenty-one shots to score 16 points is not a good ratio.
Caleb Wilson’s NBA Debut: 16 Points, First Bucket, First Dunk and MoreI genuinely respect him not shying away from that, though. Very old-school Kobe Bryant-esque, trying to put the team on his shoulders and win a game himself.
“Every great player no matter who they are goes through a tough time, and it’s usually early in their career,” said Caleb Wilson. “Even Kobe Bryant. He started off his career rough; not saying I’m going to be Kobe Bryant or any great. Just got to figure it out and keep working until I can be the best I’m going to be.”
As far as his offensive performance goes, he was being picked up by Kawhi Leonard and Scottie Barnes, and he did beat them a couple of times. But 99% of players are going to find it difficult to score against Toronto’s defense. For a rookie playing his first NBA game, it could’ve been a lot worse. Hopefully, he keeps this confidence up.
“I couldn’t hit any shots,” said Caleb Wilson. “I don’t feel like that’s going to be me. We’re all new to this team and most of the guys are new to each other, so we have to learn to play together. I don’t expect it will take too long… I don’t beat myself up. I don’t let anyone else’s expectations get into my head. I feel like, of course, I could have done things better out there. But it’s my first NBA game. I can’t expect myself to go out there and go for 30. That’s not what I am trying to do.”
Playmaking – F
This section of Caleb’s game was as bad as it could possibly get: 0 assists and 9 turnovers.
With Josh Giddey and Tre Jones being the only real ball handlers on the team struggling to get the team involved, Caleb Wilson tried to play the role of point forward and struggled to keep possession, with several of his passes getting intercepted.
Head coach Tiago Splitter said Caleb was playing too much in crowds and not passing when he had two or three defenders near him. According to K.C. Johnson, Splitter pointed out that this is what Toronto’s defense does, they play physically and force you into turnovers.
Again, when you’re going up against two of the best perimeter defenders in the league, there is only so much Caleb could have done. And when Giddey and Jones can’t do their job, these sorts of things are going to happen.
Josh Giddey… what… are we doing? Looks off a wide open Hield and drives into a wall. pic.twitter.com/bEdGBaYd11
— Ross Pins (@chisportsross) October 22, 2026Just one game, but an F seems fair.
Toronto Raptors guard Jamal Shead drives against Chicago Bulls forward Caleb Wilson. Mandatory Credit: Nick Turchiaro-Imagn ImagesDefense – C +
Caleb Wilson matching up against Kawhi Leonard and Scottie Barnes was a real “Welcome to the NBA” moment. Both are elite on both sides of the floor, and there aren’t many tougher assignments you could ask for in your first NBA game.
“It’s your first NBA game and this is a really good team, really big with a lot of length,” said Caleb. “If I’m switching, I’m usually guarding an All-Star, Scottie (Barnes) or Kawhi. Just a hell of a first matchup. Lot to learn from it. But I’m excited about it, all I can do is move on to the next.”
But Caleb did okay. Sure, Kawhi and Scottie both had 23, but neither did it particularly efficiently. And Wilson finished with three steals and a block.
Definitely the best part of his game, even though it didn’t make much of a difference to the final score. Still, we take a win where we get it.
Intangibles – D
This is unfortunately not just a Caleb Wilson problem, but more a product of the lackluster offense around him. A lot of unnecessarily sped-up offense and no real plays being run left a guy like Caleb looking lost.
When the Bulls lose by 43 and Wilson finishes with a +/- of -45, it doesn’t feel like he could’ve done much to change what was happening around him.
But having the worst plus/minus isn’t the be-all and end-all. Amen Thompson had that record before, and he’s doing pretty well in the NBA. Just wash your hands of this game, get back in the lab and change that perspective.
Caleb Wilson. Mandatory Credit: Matt Marton-Imagn ImagesOverall – D +
Maybe slightly harsh, but Caleb Wilson’s first game was D+ caliber. There were some flashes, but there was also a lot to work on.
This grade doesn’t define Caleb or his career. It’s simply a letter to define what we all saw last night.
Don’t sell your stock in him yet. It’s just been one game. Hopefully, the worst one of his career.
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