Caleb Wilson’s Injury Doesn’t Shake His NBA Draft Stock - And Here’s Why
The North Carolina Tar Heels just took a gut punch. Star forward Caleb Wilson fractured his hand and is now out indefinitely - a massive blow for a team with big March aspirations.
While there’s no official word on whether his season is over, the reality is clear: Wilson might’ve played his last college game. And with that, the conversation naturally shifts to the next chapter - the NBA Draft.
So, does this injury throw a wrench into Wilson’s draft stock?
Short answer: not even close.
Let’s be clear - this isn’t a case of a prospect going down before scouts had a chance to really see what he could do. Wilson gave evaluators a full body of work.
Twenty-four games of high-level production. And in those games, he didn’t just show flashes - he delivered night in and night out.
Wilson averaged 19.8 points, 9.4 rebounds, 1.5 steals, and 1.4 blocks per game while shooting a scorching 57.8% from the field. He got to the line 7.5 times a night and converted at a respectable 71.3% clip. That’s not just solid - that’s the kind of all-around impact that earns you top-five buzz in any draft class.
And that’s exactly where Wilson has been projected: firmly in the top five. Names like Darryn Peterson, AJ Dybantsa, and Cameron Boozer may headline the class, with Kingston Flemings also in the mix, but Wilson has consistently been right there with them. A fractured hand doesn’t change that.
If this were a more serious injury - something that raised long-term red flags - then maybe the conversation shifts. But a hand fracture? It’s not ideal, sure, but it’s not the kind of setback that derails a player with Wilson’s resume.
And that resume is impressive. Eleven double-doubles.
Seventeen games with 20+ points. His lowest scoring output in a full game?
Thirteen points. Even in the game where he got hurt - logging just 26 minutes against Miami - he still managed 12 points before exiting.
That kind of consistency, paired with his physical tools and two-way upside, makes him one of the most intriguing prospects in this class.
Yes, there’s still room for growth. His perimeter game isn’t quite there yet, and NBA teams will want to see how he develops as a shooter and playmaker in space.
But the foundation is strong. At 6-foot-10 with fluid athleticism, defensive instincts, and a nose for the ball, Wilson projects as a player who can contribute on both ends from Day 1 - and grow into something special.
Bottom line: teams aren’t backing off. Between now and June, Caleb Wilson will remain one of the most coveted names on draft boards across the league. The injury might pause his college career, but it won’t slow his NBA trajectory.
He’s still a top-five guy. And whoever lands him in the draft is getting a player with the tools to make an immediate impact - and the upside to be a franchise cornerstone.