LAS VEGAS — Chicago Bulls rookie Caleb Wilson has addressed fan speculation regarding his recent comments about missing the opportunity to face top 2026 NBA draft picks AJ Dybantsa and Darryn Peterson during Summer League play.
After the Washington Wizards and Utah Jazz held their respective stars out of matchups against Chicago, Wilson expressed frustration regarding the lack of competition, stating, “I love this s–t” when asked about not facing the top two draft picks. While some observers interpreted the remark as a dig toward Dybantsa and Peterson, reports indicate that the players were not avoiding the matchup. Instead, their respective teams made the decision to rest them, a common practice for high-profile prospects during the Summer League.
Context Behind the Absences
The absences of Dybantsa and Peterson were managed by their respective organizations. The Wizards announced on Tuesday, shortly before their game against the Bulls, that Dybantsa would be shut down for the remainder of the Summer League following two appearances. During those contests, the No. 1 overall pick averaged 25.0 points and 7.0 rebounds.
Similarly, Utah’s Darryn Peterson was held out of Monday night’s game against Chicago for what the team labeled as a rest day. Peterson had played 26 minutes the previous night in a loss to the Los Angeles Clippers, contributing 23 points and five assists.
For Wilson, the desire to compete is rooted in a long layoff. The North Carolina alum is returning to action following thumb surgery that ended his college season prematurely. Wilson has spoken openly about the emotional toll of his recovery, noting that he spent five months waiting for the opportunity to return to the court.
Wilson’s Strong Summer League Performance
Despite missing the chance to face Dybantsa and Peterson, Wilson has performed at a high level. Through three games, the fourth overall pick is averaging 24.3 points, 7.0 rebounds, and 3.3 blocks.
His debut against the Memphis Grizzlies was particularly notable; Wilson scored 35 points, the second-most ever recorded in a player’s first career Summer League game. His performance included a successful showing from beyond the 3-point arc, where he hit 7 of 11 attempts—a significant development for a player who faced questions about his perimeter shooting following his time at North Carolina.
Support from Former Coach Hubert Davis
Former North Carolina head coach Hubert Davis has been in Las Vegas this week to support his former players, including Wilson. Davis, who attended the Bulls’ game against the Jazz, praised Wilson’s character and work ethic. “I’ve never, out of all the players that I’ve been around, been around somebody that is as good as a basketball player, but just as good as a person, as a teammate,” Davis said. According to Davis, Wilson’s current shooting success is the result of intensive off-season work.
Looking Ahead
As the Summer League continues, Wilson remains focused on the team’s remaining schedule. The Chicago Bulls are slated to face the Los Angeles Lakers and the Cleveland Cavaliers before the playoffs begin on Saturday. For Wilson, the primary goal remains team success. The Bulls’ medical and coaching staff continue to monitor Wilson as he works his way back to full form, utilizing the high volume of Summer League repetitions to integrate him into their rotation.
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