Caleb Wilson is projected to go to a contender in a recent mock draft.
North Carolina Tar Heels star Caleb Wilson is one of the top prospects ahead of the 2026 NBA Draft. Wilson is putting together a strong season and is likely to be a top-five pick.
In a recent mock draft, Wilson joins a contender, as he goes to the Indiana Pacers with the fourth overall pick.
The Pacers are in a bridge year, just one season after making it to the NBA Finals and pushing the Oklahoma City Thunder to seven games.
However, star guard Tyrese Haliburton went down with a torn Achilles tendon in Game 7, leaving him out for the 2025-26 season.
This could help the Pacers in the long term, as they will get Haliburton back next season and have the chance to add one of the top players in the draft.
Wilson would be a great fit for their core, as a two-way forward who can contribute right away.
Prior to suffering a fracture in his left hand, Wilson was averaging 19.8 points per game along with 9.4 rebounds, 2.7 assists, 1.5 steals, and 1.4 blocks. He is shooting 57.8 percent from the field and 25.9 percent from three.
The clear flaw in Wilson's game is his three-point shooting, but he is a complete player outside of that. He could continue to develop his shot at the NBA level, and if he becomes an average shooter or better, he could quickly become a star.
Playing with a playmaker like Haliburton would certainly get him plenty of open looks.
The Tar Heels are without a timetable for Wilson's return, but will hope to get him back for the NCAA Tournament.
They are currently 20-5 and the 16th-ranked team in the country. However, without Wilson, it will be more challenging for North Carolina to keep winning games.
The Tar Heels will look to make a deep run in the tournament after falling to Ole Miss in the first round in the 2025 season.
If Wilson is back healthy in March, North Carolina will be a dangerous team, as he is a do-it-all player who can lead the team past anyone.
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