The consensus top three players in the 2026 NBA Draft, Kansas freshman guard Darryn Peterson, BYU freshman wing AJ Dybantsa and Duke freshman forward Cameron Boozer are all looking like generational, “can’t-miss” prospects.
What if the Washington Wizards do not end up with a top-three pick? As of March 11, the Wizards have the third-worst record and could very conceivably fall.
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Even though he did not come into the season with as much hype, there is another player, who is projected to be the top defender in the draft class, who could end up being just as good as Peterson, Dybantsa and Boozer–North Carolina freshman forward Caleb Wilson.
Caleb Wilson, 6’10” Freshman Forward from North Carolina
Feb 7, 2026; Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA; North Carolina Tar Heels forward Caleb Wilson (8) with the ball as Duke Blue Devils forward Cameron Boozer (12) defends in the second half at Dean E. Smith Center. Mandatory Credit: Bob Donnan-Imagn Images | Bob Donnan-Imagn Images
Even though Caleb Wilson has not played since Feb. 10 after suffering a fracture in his left, non-shooting hand and will miss the remainder of the season after breaking his right thumb in practice on March 5, he was able to do enough before his injuries to solidify himself as a consensus top-five pick in the upcoming draft. At 6’10” with game-changing athleticism and unteachable defensive tools and instincts, Wilson has superstar potential.
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Before he first got bitten by the injury bug in February, Wilson was averaging 19.8 points, 9.4 rebounds, 2.7 assists, 1.5 steals and 1.4 blocks in 31.3 minutes per game while shooting 57.8% from the field. Wilson was shouldering a very heavy offensive and defensive load for a North Carolina team that had legitimate Final Four aspirations before his injury.
Neither of Wilson’s injuries should be cause for any sort of long-term concern or have an impact on how teams view him ahead of the draft. ESPN’s Shams Charania reported that Wilson is expected to be cleared ahead of the predraft process, meaning he should be able to participate in events like the NBA Draft Combine and team workouts.
Wilson’s defensive potential is his biggest calling card. His 6’10” height, over seven foot wingspan, elite leaping ability and advanced footwork are a thrilling combination. Wilson should be able to be a multi-positional defender who can take on some of the toughest defensive assignments on day one in the NBA. Whether it is staying in front of perimeter players or using his length and athleticism to collect weak side blocks, Wilson can rack up defensive stats and impact games on that side of the floor with the best of them.
On offense, Wilson has been able to use his exceptional size and above-average ball-handling and playmaking to rack up points at the college level. His footwork and ability to finish with both hands also allows him to execute some advanced moves in the high post. It will certainly be much more difficult for Wilson to just blow by defenders in the NBA, but he should still be able to get points by causing chaos on the glass and flying across the court in transition.
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Wilson’s best game of the season came against Duke on Feb. 7, when he helped lead North Carolina to a 71-68 victory to hand the Blue Devils just their second loss of the year. Wilson scored 23 points on 8-12 shooting from the field, 1-2 shooting from three and was a perfect 6-6 from the free throw line. Wilson also added four rebounds, two assists, two steals and a block.
The biggest knock on Wilson’s game is his shooting. This is a real point of concern for a power forward getting top-five looks. Wilson was shooting 25.9% from three on 1.1 attempts per game. His 71.3% free throw shooting gives some hope that his shot is not broken and could eventually get to a point where he is league-average from the perimeter, but as of now Wilson is not there. His shot is barely good enough to keep defenders honest when guarding him at the three point line.
Wilson could also afford to add some weight and bulk up his 215-pound frame. While it was not a problem at the college level, Wilson does not look like he has the raw strength to become the type of player who can defend centers at a high level in the NBA.
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The Wizards roster is not the best fit for Wilson as it currently stands. He would likely begin his career coming off the bench behind Anthony Davis and Alex Sarr. Davis is under contract for next season, then has a player option for 2027-28. If the Wizards draft Wilson, it is difficult to imagine a situation in which Davis would be extended or signed long-term. For Wilson, even though he would not immediately start every game, it would be very beneficial to have him learning and developing behind Davis, one of the premier defensive frontcourt players in NBA history.
Wilson is not “Plan A” for the Wizards. Or “Plan B.” Or even “Plan C.” But it is rare that this strong of a prospect is available after the top three picks. The upcoming draft is known for Peterson, Dybantsa and Boozer, but Wilson has elite potential and would be a great selection.