The Bulls wrapped up their preseason Friday the right way, rolling past the Minnesota Timberwolves 133-116 in front of a lively United Center crowd that included Derrick Rose.
And for Chicago, the biggest takeaway was Caleb Wilson continuing to look like a player who belongs. The rookie out of North Carolina put together another strong showing, finishing with 16 points, 7 rebounds and 4 assists while shooting nearly 50% from the field. He also chipped in 2 emphatic blocks.
After the game, head coach Tiago Splitter pointed to the steady growth Wilson has shown over the preseason and made it clear that the process is still ongoing.
Caleb Wilson blocks it with the RIGHT.
— NBA (@NBA) October 17, 2026
Caleb Wilson blocks it with the LEFT.
A pair of big-time swats from the 4th overall pick! pic.twitter.com/at4sQyDHMG
“I think he went through different stages, ups and downs,” Splitter said to Sam Smith of NBA.com. “We are, and he's still trying to figure out how to be more effective, which is normal.
He's a 20-year-old kid playing in the NBA. So, it's going to be a process; we understand that.
But overall, he's listening; he's trying to learn. He's asking for more film, like I say, eager to learn.”
Wilson’s preseason numbers back up the eye test. Across 5 games, he averaged 15.8 points, 4.4 rebounds and 2.8 assists while shooting 44.1% from the field and logging 26.6 minutes per game.
Splitter also stressed that, however bright Wilson’s future may look, the team has to stay centered on the bigger picture.
“The Bulls are the most important thing, but of course he is our future,” Splitter said. “A player that's going to be a star in this league.
Tiago Splitter celebrates Caleb Wilson after strong preseason pic.twitter.com/yZ3N32jNnQ
— Zachary Draves (@DravesZachary) October 17, 2026
I think it's a mix; it's a balance. It's not the Caleb Show every night.”
Chicago now turns to the regular season, which begins on the road against the Toronto Raptors on October 21.
In Other News...
Bulls Still Waiting On A Frontcourt Piece They Really Need
The Bulls are still waiting for Nic Claxton to join the frontcourt group they envisioned when they brought him in, and the hold-up has stretched into preseason. Claxton has been out because of a hamstring injury, leaving Jalen Smith to handle the big-man minutes in his place while Chicago keeps piecing together its interior rotation.
There is at least some movement on the injury front elsewhere, with Zach Collins, Issac Okoro and Tobe Awaka all reportedly improving. The broader outlook around those sidelined players looks better, which only sharpens the focus on Claxton as the one big man the Bulls are still missing most, and the one whose return remains the most important unresolved piece. [Read more 🡒]
Derrick Rose Just Gave Bulls Fans A Powerful Reminder
The Bulls had more than a preseason game to think about at the United Center, where Derrick Rose made an appearance and reminded everyone how much he still means to this franchise. The former MVP and Chicago native has stayed connected to the organization, and his presence around the team carried the kind of weight that only comes from years of shared history and a city that never really stopped claiming him as one of its own.
Rose also spent time around training and crossed paths with Caleb Wilson and Dailyn Swain, another sign that his bond with the Bulls is still active, not just sentimental. With Chicago now turning its attention toward the regular season opener against the Toronto Raptors on October 21, moments like this add a little extra texture to camp, especially when they come from a player whose connection to the team still resonates this strongly. [Read more 🡒]
Bulls Just Created A Roster Question Fans Will Be Watching
After wrapping up the preseason, the Bulls moved on from four players as they trimmed the roster, parting ways with Brandon Boston Jr., Drew Peterson, Jalen Bridges and Orlando Robinson. Each had gotten at least three exhibition appearances to make a case, and Robinson was the most productive of the group, but Chicago still had to make the hard call as the regular season approached.
What stands out now is the way the roster is being managed from here. The Bulls are carrying 14 players on guaranteed contracts and are planning to leave the 15th spot open for flexibility, a move that keeps the front offices options open as the season unfolds. For the players waived, the next stop could be the Windy City Bulls in the G League, which would keep them in the organization while Chicago watches how the final spot shapes up. [Read more 🡒]