The Chicago Bulls' phenomenal rookie was compared to an Orlando Magic and NBA legend.
The Chicago Bulls have become the envy of the 2026 NBA Draft because of their selection of former North Carolina Tar Heels star Caleb Wilson, who made the All-Summer League First Team earlier this month.
Wilson boasts a wiry strong 6-foot-10 frame that has been compared to Kevin Garnett and an inside-outside game that looks like a perfect fit for the modern day NBA.
On Thursday, NBA aficionado Bill Simmons could hardly contain his excitement as he compared Wilson to a seven-time All-Star, which sparked plenty of debate in the comments section.
Mar 1, 2026; Boston, Massachusetts, USA; Former NBA players Tracy McGrady and Vince Carter react before a game between the Boston Celtics and the Philadelphia 76ers at TD Garden. Mandatory Credit: Paul Rutherford-Imagn Images
Simmons Invokes TMac Comparison
Simmons compared Wilson to former Orlando Magic and Houston Rockets superstar Tracy McGrady as he shared his excited thoughts with two co-hosts.
"I was on the record as saying I thought Caleb Wilson was the most undervalued guy at the draft, even at four," Simmons said.
"I think there was a real case to just trade back, and he might be the best player anyway, which I don't ever normally feel that way with a draft.
Simmons lauded Wilson for his three-point shooting ability, a rarity for a player with his size and tenacity in the paint.
"And he comes in and he hits threes...I gotta say, he looked very TMac-ish to me, that was the (comparison) that jumped out to me.
"This is like watching TMac again," Simmons added.
Wilson's Frame a Match for McGrady's?
While many basketball pundits see Kevin Garnett when they look at the Bulls rookie sensation, Simmons sees McGrady.
Wilson was criticized for being slight of frame prior to the 2026 draft but has played like a much heavier and bulkier player while maintaining the world class athleticism that made him a smart choice by the Bulls this offseason.
The Bulls rookie was also compared to Seattle Supersonics legend Shawn Kemp by Simmons.
"He's a little taller, he's like 6-10, but same kinda skinny inside-outside but then is adding this explosive Shawn Kemp side too," Simmons added.
Wilson averaged 19.8 points per game, shot 57.8% from the field, and grabbed 9.4 rebounds per game during his freshman season at North Carolina, although he shot just under 26% from three-point range.
McGrady never shot 46% or higher from the field during his NBA career and shot 33.8% from three-point range through its duration.
McGrady came into the NBA fresh out of high school and didn't average double digits in scoring until his third season.
Wilson will enter his rookie season with significantly more pressure, and it will be exciting to watch how he attempts to live up to it during his first year in the Windy City.
