Caleb Wilson keeps being compared to Michael Jordan. A UNC-to-Bulls pathway for a highly touted draft pick will do that to you.
But more than MJ, I see a little more of another player in Caleb’s game and demeanor. And that player was also once compared to Michael Jordan: Kobe Bryant.
And I’m not the only one. Caleb Wilson sees it, too.
Kobe Bryant, Michael Jordan. Mandatory Credit: Anne Ryan-USA TODAY NETWORKCaleb Wilson: The Modern-Day Kobe Bryant?
Okay, before we get into how we reached this conclusion, we need to understand where this comparison even came from.
In late June 2026, right before the NBA Draft, the NBA posted a video on its social media channels asking incoming rookies who they modeled their game after. And almost every answer made sense.
AJ Dybantsa said Tracy McGrady, Darius Acuff said D-Rose, Darryn Peterson said Devin Booker, and so on and so forth. Guards picking guards, forwards picking forwards. But the video ends with a bit of a jump scare when Caleb Wilson says, “Kobe Bryant.”
“Who’s one player you’ve modeled your game after?”Class of 2026: t.co/9laGZcmq7j pic.twitter.com/B6CldCziMm
— NBA (@NBA) June 23, 2026Since then, it has become clear that Caleb Wilson is a huge fan of Kobe Bryant and his game. He picked No. 8, just like Kobe. He answers questions with that same kind of confident arrogance. The late-night workouts, the mentality, and how they both scored their first NBA points at the free throw line (more coincidental than intentional).
And then, after Caleb’s underwhelming debut against the Toronto Raptors, he literally compared his situation to the Black Mamba.
In a postgame quote obtained by Sam Smith, Caleb said:
“I know I’m going to be good, so I don’t worry about it. Every great player no matter who they are goes through a tough time, and it’s usually early in their career. 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.”
And that’s what kept ringing in my head. When the whole world is comparing Caleb Wilson to Michael Jordan, should we actually be comparing him to someone who wanted to be better than MJ?
Caleb Wilson: “I want to be better than [Michael Jordan]”Followed that up with: “I dream big” pic.twitter.com/NbgT2Mtp1t
— Die-Hard Chicago (@DieHard_Chicago) June 24, 2026When I got the really cool opportunity to interview Caleb Wilson one-on-one, that’s exactly what I wanted to ask him.
I also asked him about his relationship/rivalry with Cam Boozer, his development as a playmaker, and a fun rapid-fire round. All of those are out now on BN Bulls, so check them out!
But first, I asked Caleb about Kobe, what he meant to him, and how he helped shape him as a basketball player.
“It’s just helped me with giving myself grace. Kobe’s career started off kind of rough, and I mean, he’s become one of the greatest players of all time. So I just give myself grace, knowing that through hard work and dedication, I will become the player I want to be. That’s what I kind of get from Kobe.”
Honestly, it’s refreshing to hear a player approach things that way. In the modern NBA, the timeline for top picks to start performing is incredibly short. Media and fans are always stuck in that “what have you done for me lately?” mindset, often forgetting that progression isn’t always linear and that not every game defines how good or bad a player can become.
I mean, it gets overwhelming for a fan just scrolling through their timeline after a player has a bad game. Imagine being the player on the receiving end of all that criticism. And trust me, we as Bulls fans know a thing or two about going through those growing pains.
But the similarities don’t end there.
Caleb was cooking in the third ?? ? 5-7 FG? 2-4 3P? 12 PTS pic.twitter.com/EyAxzC8WWl
— Bulls on CHSN (@CHSN_Bulls) October 23, 2026We’ve seen Caleb take over games for the Bulls over the last three or four outings. The big dunks, the highlight-reel blocks. But then there are the fadeaways, the midrange shots and the refined footwork. That’s where the Kobe comparisons get a little more interesting, and Caleb sees it, too.
“Physically, I feel like we both have a really good midrange game and good footwork. And I really feel like I have that mentality of being an alpha and a leader.”
Now, you don’t want to jinx it or fall prey to expectations that are perhaps a little too high. At the end of the day, comparison is the thief of joy.
But if Caleb can become even 81% of the player Kobe Bryant was, I think we’ll most definitely take it.
Caleb Wilson. Mandatory Credit: Patrick Gorski-Imagn ImagesBurlington Closes the Gap Between the Bulls and Chicago
While Caleb is busy making his mark on the court, he’s also finding ways to connect with the city off it. One of those is through his partnership with Burlington, which is looking to make a bigger impact in Chicago this season.
Burlington is making a bigger push into the Chicago community as the official Preseason Presenting Partner of the Chicago Bulls and the Luvabulls dance team. The well-known retailer has been connecting with fans at preseason games at the United Center, offering exclusive fan experiences and co-branded giveaways.
The partnership has also extended off the court. On Oct. 23, Burlington hosted a season kickoff pep rally at its North Elston Avenue store, featuring appearances from Bulls legend Horace Grant and Benny the Bull, alongside opportunities to win Caleb Wilson jerseys and tickets to the home opener.
The community celebrations continued Oct. 24, when Burlington gave away co-branded canvas tote bags at Chicago-area stores and the Chicago Ultimate Women’s Expo, where it also hosted two fashion shows showcasing upcoming holiday trends.
I had to ask Caleb what this partnership meant to someone who was still getting settled into the city himself. And how cool was it to be part of something that wasn’t just about basketball, but also about connecting with the community?
“It’s really cool. Burlington does a great job connecting with the community, and I feel it’s really important for a guy like me, that’s not from Chicago, to have an ability to kind of be impactful to the community. I feel like it helps me with my fans, and it helps the fans feel like they’re attached to me.”
With 50 locations across the Chicago area, Burlington is continuing to build its presence in the city. And for Caleb, the partnership offers another way to become part of Chicago beyond what he does on the basketball court.
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