Bulls Rookie Wilson Takes Ownership of 1-5 Start

Chicago rookie Caleb Wilson said he is accountable for the team's slow start after a loss to the Boston Celtics.

Updated on Oct. 31, 2026 in Basketball

Bulls Rookie Wilson Takes Ownership of 1-5 Start

Chicago Bulls rookie Caleb Wilson said he takes ownership of the team's 1-5 start to the 2026-27 season. The comments came after the Bulls lost to the Boston Celtics by a wide margin on Friday night.

Why it matters

The Bulls have the second-worst point differential in the NBA, and their start raises questions about the team's direction early in the season. Wilson, the No. 4 overall pick, is one of the team's central young players.

The Bulls are 1-5 to start the 2026-27 season and have the second-worst point differential in the NBA. Wilson averages 21.2 points, 6.7 rebounds, 2.5 assists and 1.5 blocks over six games, but the sample size remains small.

The players

Caleb Wilson

Caleb Wilson is a Chicago Bulls rookie and the No. 4 overall pick in the NBA Draft.

Boston Celtics

The Boston Celtics are an NBA franchise based in Boston that defeated the Bulls 134-99 earlier this season.

The details

Wilson spoke to reporters after the Bulls' fifth loss in six games, saying he has never been a loser and takes ownership of the start. The Celtics built a large first-quarter lead Friday, scoring 44 points in the opening period and leading by as many as 32.

Friday night: Bulls lose to the Celtics, trailing by as many as 32 points.
2026-27 season: The Bulls have started 1-5 and may not hold a winning record during the season.

Season Trajectory

The Bulls' 1-5 start follows a Boston rout earlier this season, and the Friday loss extends that pattern. Their early record and point differential place them near the bottom of the NBA standings at this point in the season.

The Bulls' 1-5 start leaves them with little margin in the standings, which affects how fantasy and season-ticket holders weigh their expectations. Wilson's per-game production gives fantasy managers a clear view of his early role.

The takeaway

Early-season records can shift quickly, so the Bulls' ability to respond after a 1-5 start will be the test to watch. Wilson's comments suggest the team's young core is ready to take responsibility rather than deflect.