The 2026 NBA draft class is one of the most talented in recent memory. Chicago Bulls rookie Caleb Wilson stands out as a strong Rookie of the Year candidate.
He has to compete with AJ Dybantsa, Cameron Boozer, and Darryn Peterson, but he can beat or even surpass some of them.
According to NBA GMs, Wilson is expected to be one of the best NBA players in the next 5 years, along with Dybantsa, John Schuhmann of NBA.com. Meanwhile, Boozer and Peterson didn't make the cut.
Schuhmann had Wilson and Dybansta tied at 33% in that category. Boozer finished with 23%, and Peterson with 10%. Last year, Cooper Flagg, who won Rookie of the Year this past season, was ranked at 93%. Also, Evan Mobley came in at 33% in that category 5 years ago.
However, for Rookie of the Year, Schuhmann had Boozer at 50%. Wilson came in 2nd at 20%, Dybansta is 3rd at 17%, and Peterson is 4th at 13%. Last year, they ranked Cooper Flagg at 97%.
So far, Wilson has shown up and shown out early. During the NBA Summer League, Wilson was top-notch, averaging 23.5 points, 7.3 rebounds, 1.3 steals, and 2.5 blocks per game. As a result, he earned All-Summer League First Team honors.
Article Continues BelowIn the preseason, Wilson is averaging 15.8 points, 3.8 rebounds, and 2.3 assists. Wilson is also helping shoulder the burden of getting the Bulls back on track as they rebuild gradually.
Clearly, whatever happens from here on, most people expect great things from Wilson.
On October 24, the Bulls will host the Washington Wizards in their home opener. It will be the debut showdown between Wilson and Dybansta.