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Julian Phillips vows to bounce back: "I'll definitely be better on the next outing"

Julian Phillips had a less-than-stellar first taste of NBA action.

Harvey Glassbrook

© Jake Crandall / USA TODAY NETWORK
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As far as rookie debuts go, Julian Phillips' first game in the NBA Summer League was as unremarkable as many would expect. The 35th pick in this year's NBA Draft played 24 minutes for the Chicago Bulls, scored two points, grabbed four rebounds, and had one block, three turnovers, and four fouls. The Tennessee product was also a team-worst -13.

Aware of his subpar performance, the 6-foot-8 forward with springs for hops vowed to redeem himself in the games to come.

"My performance wasn't what I wanted it to be," Phillips said. "I was kind of trying to figure out how the game was going to go. But I'm glad I got that game under me to see what it is so I can be better on the next outing."

First-game jitters

Phillips expressed high hopes for his debut after missing the Bulls' first summer league due to contractual issues. On Saturday, the 19-year-old finally suited up and quickly felt what the pro game was all about.

"This was my first game on this level. Every level's different as you go up more. So you kind of see what the game is. But I'll definitely be better on the next outing," Philips added. "It is a different game than college basketball. But it's something that you've just got to do. You've got to just play more so you can get accustomed to it."

Reality check

Bulls Summer League coach John Bryant was not at all surprised with the struggles that Phillips experienced. Bryant added that now it all boils down to how the rookie will respond.

"He's probably a little disappointed. … But I told him in the game, 'This is your first game in the NBA. You have a lot more. What are you going to do to improve the next game? How are you going to get yourself ready for the next game? I'm encouraged because he did do some things on the floor that contributed. But it's up to him to bounce back. He's a rookie," Bryant commented.

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Harvey Glassbrook
HARVEY GLASSBROOK

Chicago Bulls fan ever since “the shrug.” Meeting Jud Buechler at the Berto Center before the Last Dance season is one of my GOAT NBA moments, followed by watching two games at the United Center during that campaign. Virginia Military Institute graduate and a recovering sneakerhead. 

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