The Chicago Bulls are in a celebratory mood after locking up North Carolina’s Caleb Wilson as the No.4 pick in the 2026 NBA Draft. A selection that has already gotten significant praise from fans and analysts alike, characterizing Wilson as a transformative talent.
One of those is sports media personality Bill Simmons, who compares Wilson to Derrick Rose, per The Ringer. Even more Wilson laced ’em up, Simmons is already calling him a star.
“He’s the first legit Bulls star since Derrick Rose,” Simmons said. “This kid has it. They’ll probably build the team around him, playing up and down. And everybody’s going to love him.”
“He’s the first legit Bulls star since Derrick Rose.”@BillSimmons on why Chicago is the biggest winner of the NBA Draft after drafting Caleb Wilson and Dailyn Swain. pic.twitter.com/gNiR5gDro2
— The Ringer (@ringer) June 24, 2026
Rose was drafted by his hometown team in 2008, coming out of Memphis State as the No.1 pick. He would go on to become the 2009 NBA Rookie of the Year and 2011 NBA MVP. He led the Bulls to the Eastern Conference Finals that year. Ultimately, Rose became a phenom in Chicago, despite injuries getting the better of him in his later years.
Wilson has already spoken of his determination to cement his place among the greats.
In his one year at North Carolina, Wilson averaged 19.8 points and 9.4 rebounds per game. He also set a school record with 17 20+-point games. Wilson scored in double figures in all 24 games he played.
The Bulls are in the midst of a rebuilding stage from the top down. Very similar to what Rose experienced in 2008. At the helm of Tom Thibodeau as head coach and surrounded by Joakim Noah, the Bulls went to the playoffs in 2011 and 2015.
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