Caleb Wilson 'Cried' Before Historic NBA Summer League Debut, 'Hunting Everybody' Says Bulls' Swain

Chicago Bulls rookie Caleb Wilson had an emotional moment before his first professional game on Friday night, then he proceeded to have a historic Summer League performance in a 97-96 loss to the Memphis Grizzlies.

After putting up 35 points in defeat, Wilson told reporters he "cried" prior to tipoff because it had been five months since his last game due to a wrist injury that prevented him from playing in the NCAA tournament.

Fellow Bulls rookie Dailyn Swain was very complimentary of Wilson following the game, saying the North Carolina alum is "hunting everybody" when he steps on the floor.

"He won't say it enough," Swain said of Wilson. "But we know. We can see it in his mentality pregame, during the game. He's hunting these guys."

Bulls-Grizzlies SL Highlights

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Wilson expounded on his emotions because of everything that happened to the Tar Heels after breaking his wrist in February and undergoing season-ending surgery in March.

"I felt terrible because my team lost in the [NCAA] tournament and my coach got fired," he explained. "It just was a lot for me at that point. So, coming out today, it just felt like I've been waiting so long for this opportunity. I'm just glad I got to come out here and play."

Wilson's 35 points is the second-most for a player making their Las Vegas Summer League debut. He shot 12-of-21 from the field and made as many threes against the Grizzlies as he did in 24 games at North Carolina (seven).

Per ESPN research (h/t ESPN.com's Jamal Collier), Marco Belinelli's 37 points with the Golden State Warriors during the 2007 Summer League is the only debut performance better than Wilson.

Despite the successful debut, Wilson was unhappy with his performance overall by calling out his turnovers and failing to box out consistently.

Those are aspects of Wilson's game that can easily be corrected as he gains more experience.

Right now, the Bulls organization and their fans have to be thrilled with what Wilson did in his first NBA outing. He represents their best hope for a future superstar after being selected No. 4 overall in the 2026 draft.

The Bulls have been a mess for a decade with just one playoff appearance since the 2017-18 season. They don't figure to be a postseason contender next season, but if Wilson looks like a future All-Star, the 2026-27 campaign will be a rousing success for the franchise.