Caleb Wilson’s first run through NBA preseason has already given the Chicago Bulls rookie a few useful reps. On Sunday, though, he got something bigger: a game against Nikola Jokic, the player he has long called his idol.
Wilson has made a solid early impression in Chicago’s first three preseason games, and the trip to Denver added another layer to that start. Back in May, while at the NBA Combine, he spoke openly about how much Jokic means to him.
“I really like Jokić, that's my favorite player!” Wilson said at the time. On Instagram, he also wrote:
“bro was my favorite player when I was younger.”
That admiration met the real thing in a 133-128 Bulls loss to the Nuggets. Wilson put together another productive outing, finishing with 17 points, 5 assists and 4 rebounds while going 6-for-10 from the field. Jokic, meanwhile, answered with a triple-double: 22 points, 10 rebounds and 11 assists.
"I really like Jokić, that's my favorite player!"
— NBA (@NBA) October 12, 2026
A full circle moment for @CalebWilson2025 as he got to meet one of his basketball inspirations after last night's preseason game 🙌 https://t.co/pSBigOtZ5d pic.twitter.com/WCfo82FlLA
After the game, the two shared an embrace.
Chicago is now 1-2 in preseason action, with the regular season getting closer. Wilson’s numbers through three games have stayed strong, as he’s averaging 17.7 points, 3.7 rebounds and 2.3 assists.
For the Bulls, the rookie has shown he can stand his ground against established NBA talent. Next up is a road matchup with the Milwaukee Bucks on Wednesday, October 14, at 7:00 pm CST/8:00 pm EST, before Chicago closes its home preseason schedule Friday against the Minnesota Timberwolves.
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