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The Chicago Bulls concluded the preseason on a high note on Friday. They defeated the Minnesota Timberwolves 133-116 before a vibrant crowd at the United Center. The crowd also included legend Derrick Rose.
On the floor, Caleb Wilson stood tall. He came ready to play, and the results spoke for themselves. Altogether, Wilson led the way with 16 points, 7 rebounds, and 4 assists. Additionally, he shot nearly 50% from the field. Additionally, he added 2 emphatic blocks.
Caleb Wilson blocks it with the RIGHT.
Caleb Wilson blocks it with the LEFT.Watch sports LIVE with fuboTV (free trial)
A pair of big-time swats from the 4th overall pick! pic.twitter.com/at4sQyDHMG
— NBA (@NBA) October 17, 2026
Head coach Tiago Splitteracknowledged the sustained consistency Wilson has shown throughout the preseason. He also talked about what lies ahead for the highly anticipated rookie from North Carolina.
“I think he went through different stages, ups and downs,” Splitter said to Sam Smith of NBA.com. “We are, and he’s still trying to figure out how to be more effective, which is normal. He’s a 20-year-old kid playing in the NBA. So, it’s going to be a process; we understand that. But overall, he’s listening; he’s trying to learn. He’s asking for more film, like I say, eager to learn.”
Tiago Splitter celebrates Caleb Wilson after strong preseason pic.twitter.com/yZ3N32jNnQ
— Zachary Draves (@DravesZachary) October 17, 2026
Over 5 preseason games, Wilson averaged 15.8 points, 4.4 rebounds, and 2.8 assists. Furthermore, he shot 44.1% from the field and averaged 26.6 minutes per game.
While Wilson is slated to do big things, Splitter made a fundamental point abundantly clear. The old saying, “there is no I in team,” applies, but Splitter knows exactly what Wilson represents long term.
“The Bulls are the most important thing, but of course he is our future,” Splitter said. “A player that’s going to be a star in this league. I think it’s a mix; it’s a balance. It’s not the Caleb Show every night.”
The Bulls will begin the regular season on the road against the Toronto Raptors on October 21.
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