Now that the Las Vegas Summer League has started, the Chicago Bulls have sent their pair of rookies they drafted in the 2026 NBA Draft to participate. They send the fourth overall pick, Caleb Wilson, and the 15th overall pick, Dailyn Swain. They both stand as two of the most talented forwards in the entire class. In fact, both Wilson and Swain have high potential to be impactful players on both ends of the floor.
Summer League has given them the opportunity to show off their skills and upside as players. The two forwards can be major pieces for Chicago as they move into a new era as a franchise, but they do have significant questions surrounding their respective games. Let’s explore one question for each Chicago Bulls rookie as they make their way through Summer League.
2026 NBA Summer League: 1 Question For Each Bulls Rookie
Caleb Wilson
Question: Can Wilson Show Effectiveness As A Scorer In The Half-Court?
Even though the Bulls didn’t land in the top three, they were able to obtain a prospect that is only a step below them in talent. Wilson has the perfect blend of size, length, and athleticism that grants him immense potential to be a premier two-way star in the league. At around six-foot-ten with a seven-foot wingspan, Wilson uses his tools well to be a major threat on the offensive end. He is a significant threat in transition, where he can fully utilize his physical attributes to race down the floor and throw down thunderous dunks. Furthermore, his explosiveness help him break down opposing defenses when operating in the post or driving from the perimeter in the half-court.
On defense, his tools continue to shine as he can make big-time plays with them. Specifically, he is good at using his size and length to be disruptive in the passing lanes and as a shot-blocker. His athleticism also provides the upside to be a versatile defender who can defend multiple positions and switch onto the perimeter. Even if he isn’t always locked in defensively, Wilson’s sheer physical tools and explosiveness helps him be a consistent presence on defense.
For Summer League, one big question for Wilson is whether or not he will be effective as a scorer in the half-court. While he thrived as a transition scorer and has demonstrated upside with his half-court scoring in college, Wilson just wasn’t as effective in the half-court. Specifically, his poor shooting from mid-range and beyond the arc, as well as his poor handle, made him much less effective on offense. Plus, his lack of strength in his frame holds him back from being as physical as his playstyle suggests.
Based on the games he played thus far, Wilson has shown a big positive in the half-court. His three-point shooting has been a major bright spot, knocking down shots in both spot-up situations and off the dribble. Developing his jumper will be crucial in helping Wilson reach his full potential, so what he has shown is something to continue to watch for.
Dailyn Swain
Question: Will Swain’s Driving Ability Be As Effective Against Better Competition?
Wilson isn’t the only forward that Chicago picked up in the draft, as they also selected Swain with the 15th overall pick. At six-foot-seven, Swain is a physical forward who uses his strength and athleticism to be an excellent driver. He blends solid ball-handling and great physicality to provide immense rim pressure against opposing defenses, consistently finding his way into the paint. Swain is excellent at creating advantages against his defender where he can either score at the rim, kick it out to an open teammate, or draw a foul. Swain also has solid court vision and passing skills, allowing him to create good looks for his team.
Defensively, Swain has shown great flashes as a defender during his time in college. His size and athleticism help him to be a multi-positional defender who also has the potential to be a switchable defender. Swain also uses his length to be an effective disruptor in the passing lanes, generating fast-break opportunities in the process.
There is a lot to like with Swain and his skill set, but one major question for him is whether or not his driving will be as effective against higher-level competition. He thrived as a driver against college competition, but NBA-level athletes are a different beast altogether. Swain will find it much more difficult to outwork higher-level defenders in the paint. Based on the games he participated in, Swain’s driving ability hasn’t been as effective as it was in college. Granted, Swain is being played out of position at point guard, but he has struggled to effectively finish at the rim. Summer League games are a small sample size, but it is something to keep in mind moving forward.
Featured Image: Patrick Gorski-Imagn Images
