Caleb Wilson led the Bulls with 30 points and 14 rebounds against Washington, and he leads the team in scoring through three games. The numbers under that line say the Bulls need him to get more efficient.
The role. Wilson is a 20-year-old rookie forward, taken fourth in the draft, and Tiago Splitter plays him 34.7 minutes a night, tops among the Bulls' main rotation. He was on the floor with Giddey, Miller, Buzelis and Powell to close Saturday. The offense already runs through him.
The line. Last season's line: 22.3 points, 8.0 rebounds and 1.3 assists over three games, on 40.7 percent shooting and 78.9 percent at the line. He also averaged 2.0 steals and 1.3 blocks. Turnovers ran at 4.0 a night, though Saturday he had none in 38 minutes.
The three-ball. He shot 17.4 percent from deep on 7.7 attempts a game. Saturday he went 1-for-9 from three and 10-for-24 overall. At that volume and that rate, he gives back much of what he scores. His last shot, a 25-foot pullup bank three down five, missed.
Under the hood. Usage 28.7 percent, true shooting 49.7 percent, assist rate 6.9 percent, rebound rate 10.0 percent. He eats possessions without creating for anyone else or scoring efficiently. The ratings are 107.0 offense, 121.0 defense, net minus 14.0. Rebounding is the part that holds up.
The lineup problem. The starting five of Powell, Smith, Giddey, Buzelis and Wilson played 40 minutes together over three games at a net rating of minus 22.6. Individually, Wilson finished Saturday plus 14, best on the team, in a four-point loss. The group needs help, not just him.
Paper and health. Wilson makes $10.7 million this season, then $11.2 million, $11.8 million and $14.9 million through 2029-30. He is not on the injury report. Around him, Patrick Williams and Noa Essengue are day-to-day and Nic Claxton is out until at least November 4.
The verdict. Wilson has to be the Bulls' primary scorer and rebounder, and he already is. This season he needs to prove he can do it without leaning on pullup threes. Drive, finish, rebound, get to the line. If the shot percentage climbs, the rest of the picture changes.
How did Caleb Wilson play against the Wizards?
Wilson scored 30 points with 14 rebounds, 3 assists and 2 steals in 38 minutes, shooting 10-for-24 and 1-for-9 from three. The Bulls lost 124-120.
What is Caleb Wilson's contract with the Bulls?
Wilson is paid $10.7 million in 2026-27, with $11.2 million, $11.8 million and $14.9 million to follow through 2029-30.
