Rookie Caleb Wilson experienced a challenging night during the Chicago Bulls’ 121-98 preseason loss to the Milwaukee Bucks on Wednesday, underscoring the adjustment period ahead for the No. 4 overall draft pick. Despite flashes of potential, Wilson struggled with several turnovers and fouls in the first half, including a foot foul and a holding call, as he worked to adapt to the NBA’s pace and physicality.
Wilson’s performance improved as the game progressed, marked by a three-pointer late in the first half and an emphatic two-handed dunk in the third quarter. He finished with 10 points, four rebounds and three assists but was 1-for-5 from beyond the arc. The Bucks, resting all five of their usual starters, fielded a secondary lineup that included players like Ousmane Dieng and Kasparas Jakučionis, who contributed but also faced challenges, resulting in a somewhat disjointed affair.
Both teams exhibited sloppy play early on, with 15 combined turnovers in the first quarter and poor shooting percentages from the outside, particularly from the Bucks, who shot under 25% from three-point range in the opening half. The Bulls, while missing several key players, started the game with four of their regular starters and saw promising efforts from newcomers such as Jaylin Sellers, who scored 10 points on efficient shooting in his preseason debut.
The absence of forwards Isaac Okoro and Tobe Awaka, as well as centers Zach Collins and Nic Claxton, forced Bulls coach Tiago Splitter to employ a small-ball lineup, with Jalen Smith starting at center. Smith, alongside Noa Essengue and Leonard Miller, carried the bulk of the frontcourt duties. Miller stood out with 18 points, attacking mismatches aggressively and displaying readiness to fill larger roles until the injured players return.
Point guard Josh Giddey’s shooting woes continued, as he took just four shots but contributed nine assists in 22 minutes. Giddey did not attempt a field goal in the first half but drew a trip to the free-throw line early—missing both attempts. His restrained shooting marks a notable decrease from last season when he averaged 13.3 attempts per game. It remains uncertain whether Giddey’s current pass-first approach will persist during the regular season or if it reflects a cautious strategy during preseason exhibition games.
As the Bulls finalize their rotations before the regular season, much will depend on how quickly young players like Wilson and Miller can step up, particularly if the team’s primary scorers are sidelined or adjusting their roles. The team’s evolving dynamic, especially on offense, will be an important storyline to watch as they navigate the challenges ahead.