Why Caleb Wilson Is Being Compared to Pascal Siakam and John Collins

Former North Carolina Tar Heels big man Caleb Wilson is being compared to Indiana Pacers star Pascal Siakam and Los Angeles Clippers forward John Collins. 

Wilson is expected to be the fourth pick in the 2026 NBA Draft by the Chicago Bulls. 

"Siakam, who entered the league much older (22), offers an intriguing blueprint thanks to his evolution into a functional perimeter player, his dynamic transition play and defensive versatility," ESPN's NBA draft analyst Jeremy Woo wrote. "(Wilson will turn 20 in July.) Siakam has become a capable offensive hub in the NBA, relying on his tools and playmaking instincts to do damage in different areas of the floor, with enough of a handle to take advantage of mismatches. Wilson has some of these qualities, including sneaky passing instincts and potential to switch on defense. He arguably has more upside on defense, where he could be highly disruptive with better habits. Though he's a bit upright as a ball handler, tapping into that part of his game could still unlock a lot for him.

"If he doesn't fully develop those skills -- making him more of a play-finisher and high-energy rebounder -- he should still be a very productive NBA player and a valuable piece for a team, similar to Collins' production in Atlanta early in his career."

Wilson appeared in 24 games for UNC this past season. He averaged 19.8 points, 9.4 rebounds and 2.7 assists per contest while shooting 57.8% from the field, 25.9% from beyond the arc and 71.3% from the free-throw line. 

Wilson was named a second-team Associated Press All-American, a distinction that will ensure he is included among the honored jerseys in the Smith Center rafters.

On Feb. 10, Wilson broke a bone in his left hand when he attempted to block a shot and fell to the ground. Then, on March 5, Wilson fractured his right thumb when he struck the rim during a practice drill.

Wilson arrived at the NBA Draft Combine in Chicago with both hands fully healthy and a renewed appreciation for the game heading into the 2026 NBA Draft. 

"I never really felt like my hand injury was a setback," Wilson said, via The Athletic. "Of course, I was heartbroken when it happened. But my hand's perfectly fine now, and I feel like it offered me a different perspective on basketball in general, just because once I injured my hand, now I'm way more grateful to play. Every day I wake up and I get the opportunity to play and just be able to shoot and dribble and stuff like that. I just feel grateful for the opportunity, and I wasn’t as grateful as I am now."  

The Bulls haven't made the playoffs since 2022. Their rebuild would get accelerated with Wilson in the fold. 

The Washington Wizards have the first overall pick in the 2026 NBA Draft. They can take Wilson, Cameron Boozer, AJ Dybantsa or Darryn Peterson.

After the Wizards, it's the Utah Jazz, Memphis Grizzlies and Bulls. Wilson will not go past No. 4. 

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