As the 2026 NBA Draft cycle heats up, one name continues to rise through the ranks - and it’s not hard to see why. North Carolina forward Caleb Wilson is making serious noise as a top-tier prospect, and with each passing game, he’s reinforcing why he’s viewed as one of the top four players in this class.
At 6-foot-10 with elite athleticism and a relentless motor, Wilson is the kind of player who pops off the screen. He’s not just tall and bouncy - he brings real energy and effort on both ends of the floor, night in and night out. That combination of size, skill, and intensity is rare, and it’s what’s helped him stand out early in his college career.
Wilson’s offensive game is still evolving, but he’s already showing flashes of versatility. He can score in transition, finish with authority around the rim, and create looks for himself and teammates.
His passing has been a pleasant surprise - not just simple kick-outs, but smart reads that show an advanced feel for the game. And while his three-point shot is still a work in progress (he’s hit just 5-of-20 from deep so far), his touch in the mid-range and around the basket suggests there’s room to grow.
What really jumps off the stat sheet - and the highlight reel - is his finishing ability. Through his first 19 college games, Wilson has thrown down 60 dunks.
That’s not just a number; it’s a statement. He plays above the rim with ease, and he doesn’t waste opportunities to punish defenders at the cup.
Whether it’s off a cut, a putback, or a fast break, if he’s near the rim, he’s looking to finish hard.
Defensively, Wilson brings just as much value. He’s the kind of switchable forward NBA teams covet - able to guard multiple positions, provide weak-side rim protection, and disrupt passing lanes with his length and anticipation.
He rebounds well, he runs the floor, and he competes on every possession. That kind of motor, paired with his physical tools, gives him a high floor as a prospect.
Even if the jumper never fully develops, his impact on the game is undeniable.
That’s why he’s starting to appear in top-five projections, including a recent mock draft that slotted him at No. 4 overall to the Washington Wizards. For a team in need of a foundational piece, Wilson offers a compelling blend of upside and immediate impact. He may not be a polished shooter yet, but his ability to influence games without the ball - through defense, rebounding, and high-effort plays - sets him apart from many of his peers.
And let’s not forget: he’s only 19 years old. There’s time, and plenty of it, for him to round out his offensive game.
We’ve seen players with similar profiles come into the league with shaky jumpers and develop into reliable threats from deep. With his work ethic and feel for the game, there’s every reason to believe Wilson can follow a similar path.
Bottom line: Caleb Wilson is the real deal. He’s not just a highlight machine - he’s a high-impact, two-way player with the potential to anchor a franchise. If the Wizards are looking for a star to build around, Wilson might just be their guy.