Early Struggles and Determination
In Wednesday’s game, Caleb Wilson navigated a screen during the first quarter of the Chicago Bulls’ 133-127 defeat to the New York Knicks. As a rookie, he needed minimal space—just a step or a brief moment—for his move. He shot confidently, but the ball grazed the rim of the United Center, falling short.
Wilson’s struggles from the 3-point line have been persistent. Before Wednesday night, he made eight out of 36 shots from 3-point range, achieving only a 22.2% accuracy. His performance against the Knicks did add three successes to his total.
Understanding Wilson’s Shooting Frequency
Despite his low percentage, Wilson remains one of the Bulls’ most active shooters. He attempts 7.2 shots per game from behind the arc, second only to Norman Powell, who averages 8.2. Within the 2026 rookie class, Wilson has taken more deep shots, though Darius Acuff Jr. of the Sacramento Kings surpasses him in per-game averages with 8.5.
Coach Tiago Splitter’s Support
Tiago Splitter encourages Wilson, undeterred by the rookie’s percentage. Viewing these struggles as a standard part of NBA maturation, Splitter insists his players take open shots, reinforcing this lesson every day. His philosophy is not merely about shooting; it’s about understanding offensive opportunities.
If you’re open, you’ve got to shoot it.
Adapting to NBA’s Rhythm
Wilson acknowledged the difficulty of adjusting to the NBA’s speed, where opportunities present and close rapidly. The transition from college basketball, where he took only 27 shots from behind the arc at North Carolina, has been a steep learning curve.
Defying Doubts with Confidence
Wilson’s summer league debut, punctuated by seven successful 3-pointers, partially silenced doubts. His shooting performance may have ebbed since, but Wilson remains undeterred. His final stretch against the Knicks saw him embrace his role, firing shots confidently, even after early misses.
Wilson’s resolve is apparent. His approach mirrors starting a new job, accepting challenges along the way. He remains steadfast, focused on demonstrating his shooting ability throughout the season.
A Mindset of Persistence
Wilson’s approach is grounded in confidence. He understands, like anyone beginning a career, that challenges are expected. Even as misses accumulate, he is assured of eventual improvement and success.
In basketball, confidence is crucial. For Caleb Wilson, this mental strength is pivotal to his growth and success in the NBA.