Rookies Caleb Wilson, Dailyn Swain Debut in Bulls' Preseason Action

Summer League provided a sneak peek at what Caleb Wilson and Dailyn Swain could do, but Wednesday night's preseason opener was the true first test for the highly touted Chicago Bulls rookies.

The duo played a major role in Chicago's 124-117 win over the Phoenix Suns. Wilson led the Bulls in scoring with 15 points, despite shooting just 6-of-15 from the field and 0-of-4 on threes. Swain made all three of his shot attempts and all four of his free throws to finish with 10 points, six assists and two steals.

It took some time for Wilson's nerves to subside, but the experience of debuting on the United Center court was "pretty close" to what the No. 4 overall pick expected.

"I didn't think I was going to be nervous coming out on the court," Wilson said following the game. "But I was like, this is wild, being in the NBA, having my uniform on and stuff like that. There was a lot of emotions going into the game, but once I got used to that, then I was fine."

Wilson has talked the talk since being drafted this summer, even saying he's ready to be "the next G.O.A.T." in Chicago. Walking the walk will take some more time. Wednesday's low-stakes preseason opener allowed Wilson to soak in the pageantry of being in the NBA for the first time.

"You never know how you're going to feel in the moment until it happens," Wilson said. "Going out onto the court, hearing my name called, hearing the 'Sirius' song was wild. I watched The Last Dance, watched all those shows, and seeing it and feeling it for yourself is quite crazy."

For Swain, the preseason provides an opportunity to make a second first impression in the eyes of Bulls fans. The No. 15 overall pick struggled significantly in Summer League, making just four of his 31 shot attempts while logging seven turnovers and 11 personal fouls.

Swain's woes appeared to persist in the first half against the Suns, when he served as Chicago's primary ball-handler off the bench. In seven-and-a-half minutes of playing time, the University of Texas product had one assist to two turnovers and three personal fouls. Head coach Tiago Splitter managed to calm Swain down during the break, and the rookie capitalized with a much better second half.

"I just had to stop playing with the ball in the backcourt, just make my move and go," Swain said. "I didn't want to break up the play at first, but if I have that advantage, I've just got to take it."

Swain, who recorded a -9 plus/minus in the first half, improved to +15 in the second. He dished out five assists to just one turnover and did not pick up a foul.

Most importantly, Swain looked comfortable for the first time in a Bulls jersey. A positive game from him was much needed with Tre Jones (left hip) and Jaylin Sellers (lower back soreness) both out.

"It felt good; I'm happy that we won, to be honest," Swain said. "I'm just trying to get as comfortable as I can out there, play by play. I've got great vets and young guys helping me out — Sellers from the sideline, letting me know what he sees — all that advice coming in, it helped me a lot."

Now that the nerves have subsided, Wilson and Swain are full steam ahead with four preseason games remaining. The Bulls are set to host No. 3 overall pick Cameron Boozer and the Memphis Grizzlies on Friday before wrapping up their preseason slate against the Denver Nuggets, Milwaukee Bucks and Minnesota Timberwolves.