Bulls
The Bulls won’t have to convince Caleb Wilson to embrace the moment when he makes his NBA debut Wednesday against the Raptors. The No. 4 overall pick sounds plenty comfortable with what’s ahead.
“I want to learn how to play better defense, and I want to really have fun. That’s pretty much it,” Wilson said, via Elias Schuster of Bulls On SI. “I’m excited for every game, every opportunity.”
Chicago will need some of that defensive growth immediately. With Nic Claxton sidelined by a hamstring injury, Wilson expects to help Matas Buzelis protect the basket. He pointed to his two blocks against the Timberwolves in the preseason finale as evidence that he’s beginning to recognize when to leave his man and challenge a shot.
The opener brings another test against Kawhi Leonard and a Raptors team with plenty of size on the wings. Wilson sees an opportunity to make an impression.
“It’s a heck of a matchup for a rookie going into his first game,” he said. “I’m excited to see how I do out there, and it should just be a lot of fun.”
Coach Tiago Splitter, meanwhile, wants Wilson to give himself room to learn. There’s enough to process without trying to solve everything in one night.
“Sometimes, he’s just got to relax a little bit,” Splitter said. “Go out there and hoop and slowly he’s going to get those things better. I just want to see them enjoying and competing every night. That’s all I ask.”
Hawks
Aaron Wiggins believes Atlanta has the personnel to make life difficult for opposing guards. Specifically, he likes the combination of Luguentz Dort, Dyson Daniels and Nickeil Alexander-Walker on the perimeter.
“I think we’ve got three of the best defenders in the league with Nickeil, Dyson and Lu on the perimeter especially,” Wiggins told Grant Afseth of RG. “Those guys will bring a level of intensity and just a fear factor with their abilities on the defensive end.”
Wiggins and Dort arrived in separate offseason trades after winning a championship together with the Thunder in 2025. Wiggins said having a familiar teammate has helped with the transition, and both hope to bring some of Oklahoma City’s habits to Atlanta.
He finished the preseason with 19 points and seven rebounds in a win over the Mavericks.
Pistons
John Collins gives Cade Cunningham another scoring option who can produce without needing the offense to run through him, Brett Alberts of Pistons On SI writes.
Collins can finish lobs alongside Jalen Duren and Ausar Thompson, but his outside shooting adds another option. He shot nearly 41% from three-point range for the Clippers last season while averaging 14 points and five rebounds.
Brought in to replace Tobias Harris, Collins scored in double figures in three of Detroit’s four preseason games. His ability to roll to the basket or step outside should give Cunningham more ways to attack a defense after averaging 10 assists last season.
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