Chicago Bulls forward Caleb Wilson just got hit with some absolutely brutal news. On Thursday, word broke that Wilson fractured his right hand and is now looking at four to six weeks on the sidelines. This isn’t just a minor setback either, because it marks his third separate hand injury in less than a year, following a fractured left hand and a broken right thumb during his freshman year at North Carolina. Seriously, what a tough break for the kid.
Wilson was straight-up balling out for the Bulls, a legitimate bright spot for a team currently sitting at a rough 1-9. The No. 4 overall pick was averaging 18.9 points, 6.2 rebounds, and 1.8 steals through his first 10 games. Missing the next four to six weeks means he is out until at least mid to late December. While there isn’t a 65-game minimum for Rookie of the Year like other NBA awards, an absence this long is definitely going to see Wilson fall behind in what’s shaping up to be one of the tightest ROY races we have seen in ages.
Who Is Running The Pack Right Now?
With Wilson sidelined, a clear-cut top five has emerged in the Rookie of the Year conversation as of Friday. Surprisingly, or maybe not, Warriors forward Yaxel Lendeborg, the No. 11 pick, is currently favored at +115 odds on FanDuel. After Lendeborg, Grizzlies forward Cameron Boozer, who actually opened the season as the favorite, is right there at +290. Kings guard Darius Acuff Jr. is holding strong at +320.
Then you have the top two picks in the draft: Wizards forward AJ Dybantsa and Jazz guard Darryn Peterson. Both are tied for fourth at +1600. Dybantsa missed the first four games of the season battling an ankle sprain, so he has been playing catch-up. Peterson, the No. 2 pick, had a slower start than some of his peers, but he has been absolutely fantastic for a shorthanded Jazz squad over the last week and a half. Wilson now sits at +4000, and after that, the odds take a serious dive.
Why This Race Is Far From Over
We are less than a month into the NBA season, and already three players have really separated themselves from the rest. Boozer started as the favorite, with Wilson, Peterson, and Dybantsa hot on his heels. But now, it looks like two players drafted outside the top five are positioned to crash this party big time. With Wilson out, Dybantsa and Peterson finding their rhythm, and guys like Lendeborg and Acuff Jr. proving they are the real deal, this race is going to be wild. Keep your eyes peeled, because it’s only November 13th, and we are already seeing some serious drama unfold.
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by CBS Sports.
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