Caleb Wilson and Matas Buzelis will make the Bulls must-see TV this season.
The Chicago Bulls probably won't win many games this season, but they should still generate some incredible highlights.
This was the case last year, when Matas Buzelis threw down monstrous dunks time and time again, despite the Bulls finishing with a 31-51 record. Buzelis now has a running mate who can rival the 21-year-old's high-flying ability.
Chicago selected North Carolina forward Caleb Wilson with the No. 4 overall draft pick this summer, pairing Buzelis with another slender forward who has both a capable handle and explosive play capability.
Buzelis and Wilson were both ranked among the NBA's 25 "biggest athletic freaks" entering the 2026-27 season by SB Nation's Ricky O'Donnell.
"Wilson dunked 67 times in 24 games as a freshman at North Carolina, and some of his best highlights came on the defensive end," O'Donnell said. "His combination of extreme explosiveness, self-awareness, and a hard-charging work ethic gives him a chance to become the star player the Bulls have been desperate for."
Jan 14, 2026; Stanford, California, USA; North Carolina Tar Heels forward Caleb Wilson (8) dunks against the Stanford Cardinal in the second half at Maples Pavilion. Mandatory Credit: Eakin Howard-Imagn Images At 6-foot-10 and 215 pounds, Wilson is large enough to be a dominant paint presence on both ends of the court, while still being slim enough to be agile in the open floor. Buzelis, who stands 6-foot-8 and weighs 210 pounds, features a similar athletic profile and had a unique combination of statistical success last season.
Buzelis was one of four players in 2025-26 to compile at least 100 blocks and at least 100 three-pointers, joining only Myles Turner, Victor Wembanyama and Jay Huff. He also threw down 79 dunks in 77 games, which ranked 36th in the NBA and 14th among non-centers.
Mar 10, 2026; San Francisco, California, USA; Chicago Bulls forward Matas Buzelis (14) dunks during the third quarter against the Golden State Warriors at Chase Center. Mandatory Credit: Bob Kupbens-Imagn Images The third-year forward's presence around the three-point line — where he has shot 35.3% in his young career — should open up room for Wilson to dominate in the paint, and vice versa. Both players will also be aided by the precision passing of point guard Josh Giddey, who ranked third in the NBA last season with 9.1 assists per game.
According to the NBA's "dunk score" metric, Buzelis recorded the ninth-best dunk in the NBA last season. The jam came in the second quarter against the Orlando Magic on Jan. 2, when Buzelis threw down a menacing slam over guard Jalen Suggs. Bulls teammate Jalen Smith recorded the NBA's third-best dunk last season by dunk score, which happened against the 76ers on Dec. 26.
Chicago will begin its 2026-27 season on Wednesday, Oct. 21, with a road contest against the Toronto Raptors.
Bulls fans will get their first glimpse of Wilson and Buzelis on the court together before then, though, when the duo teams up in the preseason. The opening exhibition contest will tip off on Wednesday, Oct. 7, at the United Center against the Phoenix Suns.
