Presentation by National Insurance Agent Jeff Vuckovich
LAS VEGAS — Julian Phillips played in the Chicago Bulls’ victory in the NBA Summer League opener on Saturday but was forced to leave the game after his bloody shorts needed to be changed.
It’s not so surprising that Phillips didn’t even notice the blood on his shorts from a cut on his elbow; he was focused on bigger things.
“Just being a leader and being near the ball,” Phillips said. “Getting loose balls, rebounds. Grabbing loose balls on defense. Trying to be everywhere.”
No longer a summer league rookie, Phillips is looking to add leadership to his list of things to do after a promising rookie season that was cut short by injury. The second-round pick continued to show his talents by making instinctive plays near the ball, cutting behind defenses and grabbing offensive rebounds.
Summer league head coach Billy Donovan III credited Phillips’ offensive rebounding for stabilizing the Bulls during a fourth-quarter run by the Milwaukee Bucks. Phillips finished with 17 points and 10 rebounds, including four offensive.
“I think his ability to attack offensive rebounds has given us possession, that’s stabilized us,” Donovan III said. “He has a really good understanding of what the defense is doing with him, and when the defense helps, he’s usually on his back. He really knows when to slash cut, when to attack cut.”
Phillips did indeed take advantage of his limited opportunities during his rookie season, but was permanently sidelined with a right foot sprain since March 13. Now fully healthy, Phillips has seen management trade Alex Caruso and DeMar DeRozan and retool the roster to focus on younger players.
“They were a real big help last year. They helped me a lot and taught me a lot, so I’m all thankful for them,” Phillips said. “It’s not our job to worry about roster decisions. That’s up to the front office. Our job is to be ready for the game. We have a lot of great players and we’ll definitely be ready.”
Donovan III said Phillips is focused on improving his offensive range, giving him the confidence to take open shots and making plays for himself and others with his limited dribble.
The quiet-tongued Phillips shot 41 percent from the field in 40 games last season, but he knows his time in the summer league will be an opportunity to grow both as a player and in his role.
“You could say you’re a veteran now,” he said, “and you’re in a role where you’re leading the team, talking to the guys more, making sure everybody’s in the right position.”
After changing his shorts, Phillips returned to the court and, for the most part, was in the right position.
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