Caleb Wilson’s Preseason Performance and Bulls Takeaways

Caleb Wilson steps up when crucial seconds tick away. Whether it’s the preseason or regular season, Wilson wants the basketball. Even in a game that doesn’t contribute to season stats, his competitive spirit shines through. During a Friday game against the Memphis Grizzlies, with 7.9 seconds remaining and his team trailing 102-100, Wilson took charge. Positioned at the arc, he executed a clean ball screen, dribbled right twice, and attempted a stepback jump shot.

Wilson aimed beyond tying the score. Having already sunk five 3-pointers that night, his confidence soared. Yet, his final shot hit the rim’s front, missing the target. Despite the Bulls’ 104-100 loss, Wilson stood firm in his decision to attempt that shot. He laughed about wanting to end games without overtime and mentioned he always aims for victory.

Wilson faces scrutiny over his 3-point shooting ability. Before entering the NBA, doubts lingered due to limited long-range attempts during his college days at North Carolina, where he averaged 1.1 three-point attempts per game. There, he shot slightly below 26%. However, he reinforced his NBA potential by hitting five of eleven 3-pointers, contributing 15 out of 21 points from deep in the Memphis game. This mirrors his summer league, where he nailed seven out of eleven, setting a promising tone for the season starting Oct. 21 against the Toronto Raptors.

Other Key Takeaways from the Game

Matas Buzelis’ Ankle Injury

Matas Buzelis, the Bulls forward, sustained an ankle injury within minutes of the Friday game. The incident occurred after landing awkwardly post-blocking a shot by Jaylen Wells. Despite scoring the opening basket, Buzelis labored through the early minutes but ultimately had to sit out for the remainder of the game. He ended with six points and one block over twelve and a half minutes. In post-game remarks, he mentioned the injury isn’t serious and plans to travel and play in Sunday’s game against the Denver Nuggets.

Tobe Awaka’s First Challenge

Standing out due to his determination on the court, Tobe Awaka is recognized by his team for his relentless pursuit, despite being undersized at 6-foot-8. Known for exceptional offensive rebounding, his first major test arose against a much taller rival, 7-foot-3 Zach Edey from the Grizzlies. Though Awaka didn’t score, he managed seven rebounds and contributed in other areas over 24 minutes. This performance underscored the challenges faced by the Bulls until fellow centers Nic Claxton and Zach Collins return.

A Lottery Matchup

The match also showcased a face-off between Caleb Wilson and his past teammate and rival, Cameron Boozer. Having played both alongside and against one another in AAU teams and college at Duke and UNC respectively, the game added a unique chance to renew their competitive spirit. Although Boozer’s playing time was limited, he contributed ten points, four rebounds, and three assists in just over twelve minutes. Their history and current competition bring an engaging storyline for fans watching both players develop.