The top of the NBA draft played out according to predictions Tuesday night, allowing the Chicago Bulls to select North Carolina’s Caleb Wilson with the No. 4 pick.
A 6-foot-10 forward with notable athleticism and high creative upside, Wilson averaged 19.8 points and 9.4 rebounds as a freshman for the Tar Heels while shooting 57.8% from the field and racking up highlights above the rim.
Although he was limited to 24 games by first a broken left hand and then a broken right thumb that required surgery and kept him from participating in the NCAA Tournament, Wilson cemented his status at the draft combine as an elite athlete who can grow into an anchoring role on a rebuilding roster.
Most of the NBA agreed on a general consensus of the top four prospects in this year’s draft, but selection order was the greatest debate entering Tuesday. The Washington Wizards selected BYU forward AJ Dybantsa with the No. 1 pick, followed by the Utah Jazz picking Kansas guard Darryn Peterson and the Memphis Grizzlies taking Duke forward Cameron Boozer, clearing the way for the Bulls to select Wilson.
Illinois guard Keaton Wagler went to the Los Angeles Clippers with the fifth pick.
Wilson, who turns 20 next month, always felt like the most obvious fit for the Bulls. As a lengthy athlete with strong defensive potential, the Atlanta native fits the mold preferred by new executive vice president of basketball operations Bryson Graham.
Wilson will need to improve his shooting (7 of 27 on 3-pointers last season) and grow into his frame to be switchable on defense against NBA players, but his profile and timeline match both the needs and vision of the Bulls front office.
The Bulls have a second first-round pick at No. 15.