How Can Julian Phillips Be Successful In The NBA?

Former Tennessee Volunteers forward Julian Phillips played in his first summer league game on Saturday against the Memphis Grizzlies.

On Saturday, the second-round pick from Knoxville, Julian Phillips, made his NBA debut with his new team, the Chicago Bulls. Against the Memphis Grizzlies, Phillips had 2 points, four rebounds, and a block. He played 24 minutes during the game in which Chicago lost 87-80. They are now 1-1 in summer league play. 

Phillips did not play in the Bulls' first summer league game against the Toronto Raptors due to ongoing contract negotiations within the Chicago organization. Although this may not have been the ideal game Phillips wanted to begin his career, it puts the tools in place for what he can do to become a success in this league. It has been said by plenty of scouts already, but Phillips fits the mold of an NBA wing player with a great ability to show off his athleticism. His finishing ability already sets him ahead to have productive offensive outings.

Tennessee F Julian Phillips

Phillips's most dangerous tool, though, is his physical build. At 6-7, he can be competitive amongst taller players in the NBA with shots at the rim, and he also can be a strong rim protector with the length he provides. His wingspan is nearly seven feet, and his reach gets to within two feet of the rim, priming him for being a force on defense. His decent rebounding in the summer league against Memphis was no fluke. In his one season at Tennessee, he was one of the Vols' most productive rebounders averaging almost five a game. He had 17 games during the Volunteers' season with 5+ rebounds. 

Although the averages weren't high on defense, he still had a handful of efficient games on the defensive end of the floor. He finished with multiple steals and/or blocks in 8 games with Tennessee in his freshman season. Phillips can use his build to become a great slasher to get rebounds and points at the rim. He can also use that same set of physical features to become a great player on the defensive end of the floor. This will all take time and development. 

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