Field Level Media’s Ethan Ward breaks down the top prospects in the 2026 NBA Draft.
Caleb Wilson, North Carolina
The Skinny: Easily among the top prospects in this class as a can’t-miss frontcourt presence and arguably the best two-way prospect in the 2026 NBA Draft. Wilson makes his basketball living in every imaginable way and should only improve with physical maturity and a professional weightroom and nutrition plan. He’s 6-foot-10 with a few additional inches to his wingspan to add to his NBA-ready qualities.
Strengths: Boasts striking measurables accompanied by incendiary athleticism and an unrelenting motor that he puts to great use on both sides of the ball. Eye-catching verticality at the cylinder. Drilled an absurd 49 percent of his 51 mid-range jumpers outside of 14 feet, per Draft Ballr. In particular, has a buttery turnaround jumper on post-ups. Palpable feel as a high-post facilitator with great accuracy on leads passes, especially in high-low sequences. Has a knack for sealing on the interior to create an easy passing angle. Punishes mismatches by rising above smaller opponents on jumpers. Covers considerable ground with the ball on halfcourt straight-line drives and while sprint dribbling in the open floor. Relentlessly attacks defenders head on and embraces contact. Adept at screeching to a halt on his second step. Drew almost seven fouls per 36 minutes which ranked 99th percentile among bigs, per CBB Analytics. High work rate on the offensive and defensive glass. Astronomical defensive upside as a rangy ball hawk. Elite defensive playmaking (stocks per 36 minutes and a 7.2 “stock” percentage) while avoiding fouls. Active in defensive passing lanes. Relishes physicality as a defender with bump-check of cutters with intent. Terrific scramble defender and secondary contester. First-rate mobility at his size. Played stretches at the front of a full court press and held his own. Projects as a multi-positional stopper at the next level who can moonlight as a small-ball five.
Negatives: Converted less than 50 percent of his layups and lacks a healthy equilibrium between power and finesse as a finisher. Limited track record as a long-range shooter is a cause for concern. A 25.9 percent 3-point shooter on 27 total attempts and 71.3 percent free throw shooter. Guide hand has too much bearing on the flight of the ball when launching from distance. Relatively movable with such a slender build (210 pounds). Clear need to add mass and bulk to avoid being dislodged down low by NBA bigs. Dimes primarily stemmed from set plays rather than ad lib individual offense. Has a loose handle at times that disrupts his downhill momentum. Defensive consistency needs improvement. Over-exuberant at times in pursuit of the ball. Sometimes haphazard rotationally, floating without any real directive.
Best fit: Chicago Bulls
No matter what size and shape the Bulls take in their latest rebuild, Wilson can be a fit because of his extreme versatility and skill. A centerpiece type of talent with all the trimmings and upside, Wilson would likely be in the conversation as the No. 1 pick if not for durability questions.
–Field Level Media
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