The Chicago Bulls didn’t have a pick before Thursday night’s NBA draft. By night’s end, they traded into the second round to select athletic forward Julian Phillips with the 35th pick.
The Bulls reportedly gave up two second-round picks to acquire Phillips, who played one year at the University of Tennessee. In Phillips Chicago gets a wiry 6-7 forward with a large wingspan and ample athleticism.
How ample? He notched a 43-inch max-vertical jump, the highest mark at the NBA Draft Combine.
“He’s not afraid to do the dirty work when needed and provides an energy spark off the bench due to his intensity and hustling,” according to a RotoWire scouting report.
Phillips is described as an above-average defender and good rebounder but is offensively raw and needs to develop as a shooter.
“He’s a player that will likely start his career at the G League level while crafting his offensive game but might be a solid role player in the future,” states RotoWire.
Bulls sent a couple of second-rounders to Washington to enter the draft and pick Julian Phillips, sources said. https://t.co/gdiwSRy39m
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) June 23, 2023
Artūras Karnišovas on Julian Phillips: “Our group liked him. He’s ex McDonalds All-American. Multi positional defender. ONe of best athletes in the draft. He can step in right now and probably defend on our level.”
— K.C. Johnson (@KCJHoop) June 23, 2023
Bulls trade for Julian Phillips
19 year old Tennessee wing is a 6’8 wing, 7′ wingspan
Insane 43 inch vert which led the combine
Poor 3PT shooter: 24% but shot 82% on FTs and got to the line a TON
Great 1.6 stl rate and 2.9 block rate
— Will Gottlieb (@Will_Gottlieb) June 23, 2023
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