Image: Ian Maule/AP
NBA Summer League officially wrapped up last Sunday, and Bulls fans have been left with renewed optimism after a Caleb Wilson debut for the ages. Playing in four of the Bulls’ five games, Wilson kickstarted his Chicago tenure by averaging 23.5 points, 7.3 rebounds, 2.5 blocks, 1.8 assists, and 1.3 blocks per game. He also shot an eye-popping 50 percent from the field and 41.9 percent from behind the arc. To top off these impressive numbers, Wilson earned First Team honors for his dominant summer performance.
While Wilson was the obvious highlight for the Bulls’ squad this summer, other standout performances went on fans’ radars, for better and for worse. Here are some key takeaways for Tiago Splitter and the coaching staff to note and continue improving upon in their first season with Chicago.
Concerns about Caleb Wilson’s injuries and three-point shooting were proven completely invalid.
Fans’ and scouts’ minds can be put at ease, as Wilson pulled up in peak form out of the gate. Leaving no trace of his previous thumb injury, Wilson set a record for most points scored in a Summer League debut with 35. To further establish his impact, he sank an impressive 7-for-11 shots from behind the arc and 12-for-21 overall.
Wilson flashed his explosive athleticism and continued shooting efficiently from deep. He recorded a 41.9 three-point percentage over four games played, showing an immediate improvement from the mere 25% three-point percentage he held in college. Wilson shocked scouts and defied expectations by matching his college three-point total within his first 33 minutes played.
Although it is obviously very early, drafting Wilson carries the potential of a rockstar pick for Chicago. Between the record-breaking scoring debut versus the Grizzlies, the show-stopping dunk over Jonas Aidoo, and the buzzer-beating three in the third quarter of the Wizards game, Wilson delivered Bulls fans a summer to remember. ESPN writer Ben Golliver named Wilson as Summer League’s “most electric rookie” for his efforts, and deservedly so. If his three-point shot continues to develop, the sky is the limit.
Dailyn Swain has lots of work to do.
While Wilson came out of the gate swinging, 15th pick Dailyn Swain failed to match the same energy. Swain averaged just 4.3 points and five rebounds over his four-game stretch. He shot an abysmally low 13 percent from the field and failed to drain a single three-point shot out of seven attempts.
Splitter played Swain at multiple positions to find his best fit, giving him reps at point guard and his natural forward position. Although Swain obviously struggled offensively at both positions, he showed flashes off-ball and on defense while playing at point guard.
Swain’s defensive versatility stood out as one bright spot, though, looking past the box score. He used his six-foot-seven length to guard multiple positions and disrupt passing lanes, as well as effectively switch assignments on screens. Swain excelled at defensive versatility during his time with the Longhorns, so a return to form was nice to see.
The defensive potential Swain showed in four games proved that he can anchor a strong defensive role with the second team. However, shooting concerns remain rampant, and Swain needs to work extensively on his shot during the remainder of this offseason. How high Swain’s ceiling is for Chicago is dependent on his work ethic and development on offense.
Jaylin Sellers was the Bulls’ biggest surprise and should earn a roster spot.
Although Wilson received most of the media attention, undrafted rookie Jaylin Sellers made for one of Summer League’s biggest surprises. Sellers signed a two-way contract with the Windy City Bulls after a standout senior year at Providence. During his 2026 season with the Friars, he led the Big East in scoring with 18.3 points per game while shooting 47.3 percent from the field and 42.9 percent from deep.
Despite the big numbers, Sellers went undrafted due to his older age and a previous severe back injury. Entering the draft as a 23-year-old with back issues forced Sellers to settle for a two-way deal with Chicago to prove his potential.
Sellers clearly heard these doubts and played with a chip on his shoulder. In five games, Sellers stood out with averages of 15.6 points, 2.4 rebounds, 2.4 assists, and 1.6 steals per game while shooting 39.3 percent from the field. Sellers played his best game versus the Wizards, where he scored 24 points, dished three assists, and recorded three steals.
On the defensive end of the ball, Sellers also impressed with his versatility. He guarded multiple positions efficiently when switching assignments on screens and consistently disrupted passing lanes, finishing his summer stint with eight steals and four blocks.
Sellers’ ability to attack the paint and efficiently score turned heads. He drew fouls and sank contested shots in a veteran-like manner. The only drawback to Sellers’ Summer League performance was inconsistent outside shooting, as he shot just 23.7 percent from behind the arc. Despite the poor three-point shooting, the potential consistently displayed during the short period warrants giving Sellers a long-term shot. Signing him to a one to two-year contact is something the Bulls should strongly consider with the team in a full rebuild period.
It might be time to be concerned about Noa Essengue.
Noa Essengue also disappointed during his four-game stretch. While some rust was expected with Essengue rehabbing a shoulder injury, the offensive and mental aspects of his game left much to be desired. Essengue averaged just 6.5 points and 4.5 rebounds per game, playing timidly and attempting an alarmingly low four shots per game. This lack of aggression resulted in Essengue getting phased out of the rotation during late game scenarios.
To make matters worse, Essengue has already found himself in Tiago Splitter’s doghouse. He committed seven fouls in ten minutes and was pulled against the Jazz for poor effort, resulting in his play time decreasing each game. His minutes dwindled from 28 minutes played in game 1 to a measly ten minutes off the bench in game four.
There were at least some positive takeaways on the defensive end of the ball. Essengue’s wingspan caused trouble for ball handlers, as he averaged 1.8 blocks and 1.3 steals per game. He recorded a notable four blocks in the Summer League opener versus the Grizzlies, showing flashes of frontcourt presence the Bulls have lacked.
Essengue will need to make significant strides on the offensive side of the ball in order to move up the rotation. As a controversial, polarizing draft pick from the previous regime, Essengue needs to prove his worth. If Essengue fails to make significant strides, he could quickly find himself out of favor with Splitter and the front office and become expendable.
What surprised you the most about the Bulls’ Summer League performances? Let me know in the comments.
