The reasons for drafting Caleb Wilson ran pretty much the same line among experts leading up to the draft last month. He was probably the best athlete in the entire class and maybe the best in the past several years. His ability to play above the rim, rebound, and hustle on defense were all major selling points. If he could develop a consistent jump shot, most saw a perennial All-Star. It was an easy decision for the Chicago Bulls from that standpoint. However, many have glossed over the greater appeal of this selection.
North Carolina radio broadcaster Tyler Zeller alluded to it during an interview with 104.3 The Score. While the physical attributes are the obvious highlight, not enough people recognize how awesome Wilson is as a teammate and leader.
This stance was echoed months ago by Tar Heels head coach Hubert Davis. One of the big reasons the team overcame a midseason slump in January was Wilson emerging as a vocal leader. They won five straight games after that before his untimely injury against Miami, ending his year.
“I want guys to speak up. I want guys to be leaders. I’ve enjoyed Caleb being more vocal the last three days. I think it’s really ignited our team. He has a personality that encourages guys. He’s a great teammate. He lights up the room every time he steps in it, and now that he’s using his voice, it’s really motivating guys in a good way.”
Caleb Wilson finally brings something the Bulls have lacked.
It is one thing for an NBA team to have a star who is supremely talented. It is quite another to have one who is also a great leader. That is often the difference between consistently good teams and champions. Michael Jordan was both. Sure, he wasn’t always liked for his leadership style, but every teammate admitted that his sometimes demanding approach worked. Wilson seems to have similar qualities. He works hard on and off the court, making sure everybody knows he’s prepared to make the sacrifices. Then he adds a mix of encouragement and demand to get everybody else pulling their weight.
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Players feel they can ignore it when veteran role players or coaches do that. When the face of the franchise does it? You’d better pay attention. If he doesn’t think you’re good for the team’s chances of winning, you’ll find your way out of town. That is what Caleb Wilson can become for the Bulls. They haven’t had a player of that type in a long time. Derrick Rose was a superb player, but never the most vocal leader. You’d probably go back to Elton Brand to find somebody like that, and he was nowhere near the athlete Wilson is.
Tiago Splitter faces an interesting challenge.
Players like Wilson require a certain way of coaching. Their self-confidence is so high that they can sometimes bristle at certain demands. Jordan was that way during his early years in Chicago. Not until Phil Jackson came along was he able to find the right median between letting Jordan be Jordan and still getting the rest of the team involved. That is one of Splitter’s top priorities. He must find the right way to coach Wilson. He will play the game with a relentless, attacking style. He’ll want the ball in his hands. The trick is teaching him how to play under control and make sure to keep his teammates involved.
If this kid has the same impact he did at North Carolina, things are about to get much better in Chicago. They want somebody to take up the mantle of the star. Wilson has shown time and again that it’s the kind of pressure he wants. Guys like that don’t grow on trees. When you have one, be sure to do everything possible to cultivate their development. Let them seize control. It worked with Jordan. It worked with Rose.
