Caleb Wilson thrives under pressure, even during the preseason. In the closing moments of a game against the Memphis Grizzlies, with 7.9 seconds left and a 102-100 deficit, Wilson took control. Positioned at the top of the arc, he attempted a stepback jump shot, aiming to secure a win instead of a tie. Having already scored five 3-pointers, he was confident in his shot. However, his attempt fell short, bouncing off the front rim. Despite the Bulls’ 104-100 loss, Wilson stood by his decision. In the locker room, he joked, “We all trying to go home. Trying to end the game right there. No overtime. I’m going for it all every time.”
Wilson entered the NBA with questions surrounding his consistency from long range. In college at North Carolina, he only attempted 1.1 shots per game from behind the arc, hitting just under 26%. Despite this, Wilson showcased his capability by scoring five of his 15 points from three-point shots, similar to his summer league debut where he scored 21 points, including seven 3-pointers in 11 attempts. His real test will come when the regular season begins on October 21 against the Toronto Raptors.
1. Matas Buzelis Suffers Ankle Injury
Matas Buzelis, a third-year forward, injured his right ankle early in the game after blocking Jaylen Wells’ shot. Despite initially continuing to play, a later evaluation led the Bulls’ staff to sit him out for the remainder of the game. Buzelis finished with six points and one block in 12:29 minutes. He assured fans that the injury wasn’t severe and planned to join the team for their preseason match against the Denver Nuggets. “It’s not bad,” he mentioned. “Just being smart in preseason. Just a little sore, nothing crazy. I tried to play. I hate missing games. I think I’ll be ready for Sunday.”
2. Tobe Awaka’s Performance Against the Grizzlies
Center Tobe Awaka, valued for his energetic play, embarked on his first significant challenge during the preseason. Known for his impressive offensive rebounding skills, Awaka faced stiff competition from Grizzlies’ 7-foot-3 center Zach Edey. Despite being undersized at 6-foot-8, Awaka gathered four offensive rebounds and contributed seven overall, two assists, and two turnovers during 24:16 minutes of gameplay. With injuries sidelining centers Nic Claxton and Zach Collins, Awaka had the opportunity to demonstrate his abilities over several preseason games.
3. Lottery Matchup with Cameron Boozer
In a notable preseason highlight, Wilson faced off against Cameron Boozer, the No. 3 draft pick. The two players share a history, having played on the same AAU team and then becoming rivals in college. Throughout the draft and summer league, they expressed mutual respect. Despite limited playtime, Boozer recorded 10 points, four rebounds, and three assists in 12:22 minutes. The game offered a glimpse into their ongoing rivalry.