Caleb Wilson’s late run sparks hope despite Bulls’ loss to Utah Jazz
The Utah Jazz edged the Chicago Bulls 80-63 in NBA Summer League play on July 13 at UNLV’s Thomas & Mack Center, with Caleb Wilson’s fourth-quarter flurry the lone bright spot for the Bulls. Wilson, the No. 4 overall pick in the 2026 NBA Draft, finished with 19 points on 8-of-17 shooting and zero free throws made out of six attempts. Last result: Los Angeles Lakers 131-107 Utah Jazz (2026-04-13).
What happened in Vegas?
After dropping 35 points in his Summer League debut against Memphis, Wilson cooled off against Utah. He hit just 3-of-8 from deep and coughed up four turnovers. But the former UNC star saved his best for last, scoring 12 points in the fourth quarter alone. His high-flying tomahawk dunk over a defender late in the period ignited the crowd and sparked a 7-0 personal run.
Defensively, Wilson was a force. He logged eight rebounds, two assists, five blocks and two steals in 29 minutes. Former UNC coach Hubert Davis was courtside to watch Wilson’s second Summer League outing. The Jazz’s win snapped a four-game losing streak, extending their Summer League skid to four straight losses after a season-ending defeat to the Lakers.
Why Wilson’s Summer League matters for the Bulls
Chicago’s coaching staff will use Summer League minutes to evaluate Wilson’s readiness for the regular season. His 19-point, eight-rebound, five-block line shows flashes of two-way impact. But the free-throw struggles-zero makes on six attempts-highlight an area for growth. Under Summer League rules, teams get just one free throw per foul, so Wilson left 14 potential points on the board.
The Bulls face Washington on July 14 at 8 p.m. on Prime Video. If Wilson suits up, he’ll match up against former UNC teammate Seth Trimble. A tilt with the Los Angeles Lakers looms on July 16 at 6 p.m. on the same stream. Chicago’s Summer League slate remains fluid, with no guarantee Wilson plays every game.
What’s next for the Jazz and their young core?
Utah’s Summer League struggles-four losses in five games-raise questions about their rebuilding timeline. The Jazz fell to the Lakers 131-107 in April, capping a disappointing finish to the 2025-26 season. Their Summer League roster blends rookies and second-year players, all fighting for roster spots.
For Wilson, the Summer League is a chance to build chemistry with Bulls teammates. His Summer League debut showed offensive firepower, but consistency remains the goal. The Jazz, meanwhile, will look to tighten their defense and find answers in the paint after their latest Summer League setback.
