BREAKING NEWS: Bulls Legend Horace Grant Declares Caleb Wilson Franchise’s Best Pick Since Derrick Rose
CHICAGO, IL – The Chicago Bulls have been searching for a transformative superstar since the Derrick Rose era, and according to one of the franchise’s iconic champions, they may have finally found him in rookie forward Caleb Wilson.
Horace Grant, the four-time NBA champion and beloved Bulls legend, has made a stunning proclamation regarding the team’s No. 4 overall pick in the 2026 NBA Draft. In an exclusive interview with Kyle Odegard of Action Network, Grant did not hold back his excitement, asserting that Wilson represents the most significant draft selection for the organization in nearly two decades .
“Oh my goodness, man, what a beast, what a freakin’ beast,” Grant exclaimed . “He has all the intangibles, the skillset. But what I love about him is that he has the mindset of a killer, a dog. He goes out and gets it” .
Grant’s Bold Claim
Grant, who played a pivotal role alongside Michael Jordan and Scottie Pippen in the Bulls’ first three-peat, placed Wilson in elite company regarding the franchise’s draft history.
“It’s one of the best draft picks since Derrick Rose,” Grant stated emphatically . “I’m not going to put him with MJ and myself and Pip, but since Derrick Rose, one of the greatest choices the Bulls have made, in my humble opinion” .
The comparison to Derrick Rose carries significant weight in Chicago. Rose was the No. 1 overall pick in 2008 and became the youngest MVP in NBA history in 2011, delivering the Bulls their most successful period since the Jordan dynasty . Wilson, a product of the University of North Carolina, has shown flashes that remind the legend of that era .
Summer League Dominance
The foundation for Grant’s praise was built during the 2026 NBA Summer League, where Wilson was nothing short of spectacular. He earned All-Summer League First Team honors by averaging a dominant 23.5 points, 7.3 rebounds, 2.5 blocks, and 1.3 steals per game across five contests .
Wilson made an immediate statement by scoring 35 points in his Summer League debut, the second-most in history for a player in his first appearance . His performance electrified the Bulls fanbase and validated the front office’s decision to select him with the fourth overall pick.
“When you showcase yourself like that, especially in the Summer League, it gives us Bulls fans hope that he will be one of those pieces along with Josh (Giddey) and (Matas) Buzelis,” Grant added . “There are more pieces that we need, but man, what I saw in Vegas, he’s the real deal” .
Wilson Carves His Own Path
Despite the lofty praise and comparisons to Hall of Famers like Kevin Garnett—who has already nicknamed Wilson the “Little Ticket”—the rookie remains focused on his own identity . When asked about comparisons to Garnett, Wilson delivered a mature and measured response.
“I don’t really care that much about it,” Wilson said via Elias Schuster of Sports Illustrated . “I feel like we have some similarities, but I feel like we’re much different players. Kevin Garnett is a Hall of Famer, and I don’t really want to be compared to a Hall of Famer because that messes up my expectations around the world. But I don’t really have expectations of being Kevin Garnett. I just have expectations of being Caleb Wilson” .
This mindset aligns with what Grant identified as the “killer instinct” that separates great players from legends . Wilson has consistently emphasized his desire to forge his own legacy, even in the face of immense hype.
A Legacy of Confidence
Wilson’s confidence was evident from the moment he was drafted. In his introductory press conference, he set his sights on the highest possible achievement, declaring his ambition to become the greatest player of all time—a statement that drew inevitable comparisons to the franchise’s standard-bearer, Michael Jordan .
“I want to be the greatest of all time,” Wilson said, per Chicago Sports News . “Y’all got one of the goats in y’all history, so it’s time for another one” .
Derrick Rose, another Bulls legend who has taken Wilson under his wing, validated this mentality. Rose called Wilson “delusional” but used the term as the highest form of praise for a player striving for greatness.
“You have to be delusional in a way, and I feel like he’s delusional, where he believes he’s the No. 1 player,” Rose told Devan Kaney of Fox 32 Chicago . “And I can respect that. I mean, not to go deep into it, but I feel like we relate a lot” .
A New Era in Chicago
The Bulls have struggled to recapture their past glory, finishing with a 31-51 record last season and missing the playoffs . However, with a young core now featuring Wilson, Josh Giddey, and Matas Buzelis, there is renewed optimism in the Windy City. Grant’s endorsement signals a belief that the rebuild is on the right track.
However, Grant also urged patience . While praising Wilson’s potential, he acknowledged that the team still has gaps to fill before contending. Wilson’s integration into the roster will be a key storyline when the Bulls tip off their preseason against the Phoenix Suns on October 7 .
What’s Next?
With the NBA regular season approaching, all eyes will be on how the 20-year-old phenom translates his Summer League success to the professional level. He has already drawn praise from a who’s who of NBA royalty, including Kevin Garnett, Draymond Green, and Tracy McGrady .
As Grant noted, Wilson’s skillset, combined with his relentless mentality, makes him a cornerstone piece for the franchise’s future. Whether he can live up to the billing remains to be seen, but if his debut is any indication, the Chicago Bulls may finally have their next star.
