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Julian Phillips is eager to showcase his versatility at every chance he gets

Originally posted on Chicago Bulls on SI
By Stephen Beslic | Last updated Jan 4, 2024 2:17 PM ET

Chicago Bulls forward Julian Phillips hasn’t seen much of the floor in his rookie season, playing in only 20 games and averaging a little under five minutes per outing. However, he got the opportunity to showcase his talent in the Bulls’ blowout loss to the Philadelphia 76ers on Tuesday and made the most out of it.

Be active

Phillips was picked 35th overall in last year’s NBA Draft, but because of the presence of some veterans and the up-and-coming Patrick Williams, minutes have been too hard to come by. However, he earned 17 minutes of action in Chicago’s 110-97 loss and logged seven points, including a triple and three blocked shots.

When asked what he’s instructed to do every time his number is called, the 20-year-old shared that coach Billy Donovan wants him to be active on both ends of the floor.

“Coach is telling me to go out there and do what I do. Play my game and be myself. Just be all around. Have a lot of activity on offense. Give a lot of energy on defense. Run a lot in transition. Rebound. Try to do those things at a high level,” the 6-foot-8 forward said.

Showcase his versatility

Phillips knows that with the Bulls still leaning into their veteran core, playing time will come few and far between. However, it doesn’t dissuade the young forward from staying ready for when the opportunity arrives. And when it does, Phillips said he won’t hesitate to show off his versatile skills.

“Just my versatility on both ends. Offensively, just shooting and shot-making and being able to get to the rim. Finish. Free throws. Defensively, guarding multiple positions. Switching 1 through 4; 5 in some cases, depending on the team. Run fast. Just try to implement things that I’m able to do up here so when I’m up here I’ll be ready,” Phillips added.

This article first appeared on Chicago Bulls on SI and was syndicated with permission.

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