The Chicago Bulls are gearing up for what could be their most promising season since 2021-22, and a relatively unheralded name is emerging as a potential game-changer: Julian Phillips. In the Bulls’ final preseason game against the Minnesota Timberwolves, the 21-year-old wing showcased his tantalizing potential, dropping 17 points in just 22 minutes on 5-for-10 shooting from the field and a perfect 6-for-6 from the free-throw line, while also grabbing six rebounds. This electrifying performance served as a reminder that Phillips, a second-year player buried on a stacked depth chart, could be the secret weapon Chicago needs to elevate from Play-In Tournament hopefuls to legitimate playoff contenders.
A Crowded Wing Rotation, Yet Phillips Stands Out
The Bulls boast one of the deepest and most talented wing rotations in the NBA for the 2025-26 season. Matas Buzelis, a rookie with superstar potential, brings explosive athleticism. Isaac Okoro, a defensive stalwart, locks down opposing guards with unmatched intensity. Patrick Williams remains a reliable rotation piece, even if his minutes may dip. Kevin Huerter provides steady shooting and underrated playmaking. Ayo Dosunmu demands significant floor time, and Dalen Terry is proving he’s ready for a bigger role. Yet, despite this crowded field, Phillips’ unique skill set makes him impossible to ignore.
At 6-foot-8 with a 7-foot-1 wingspan and elite athleticism, Phillips offers a physical profile unmatched by his teammates. While Buzelis is also explosive, his wingspan is three inches shorter. Okoro is stronger but lacks Phillips’ smothering reach. Noa Essengue, another promising athlete, doesn’t match Phillips’ violent burst. Dalen Terry shares a similar frame but falls short of Phillips’ jaw-dropping explosiveness. For a Bulls team aiming to disrupt opponents defensively and capitalize on fast-break opportunities, Phillips’ ability to shut down ballhandlers and dominate in transition is a rare and valuable asset.
A Young Prospect with Untapped Potential
Selected 35th overall in the 2023 NBA Draft, Phillips has yet to carve out a consistent role in Chicago. Over two seasons and 119 games, he’s averaged a modest 3.8 points and 1.7 rebounds in 12.2 minutes per game. However, those numbers don’t tell the full story. At just 21 years old, Phillips is one of the youngest players on the roster, with only rookies Noa Essengue and Lachlan Olbrich (and one other teammate) younger than him. His growth from his rookie to sophomore season was evident, as he improved in every statistical category and became a more efficient scorer despite taking on a higher volume of shots.
Phillips’ standout performance in the preseason finale against Minnesota hints at a significant leap in his third year. His 17-point, six-rebound outburst wasn’t just a flash in the pan—it was a glimpse of what he could become with more opportunities. His ability to attack the rim, finish through contact, and capitalize on free-throw opportunities showcased a growing offensive arsenal. Defensively, his length and athleticism make him a nightmare for opposing wings, capable of disrupting passing lanes and contesting shots with ease.
What Phillips Needs to Unlock His Potential
While Phillips’ physical gifts are undeniable, there are areas where he must improve to secure a consistent rotation spot. His 3-point shooting needs refinement to stretch defenses and open up his slashing game. He must become more aggressive in seeking his own shot, as his preseason performance showed he’s capable of creating offense when he takes the initiative. Additionally, improving his basketball IQ on both ends of the floor will help him translate his raw tools into consistent production.
However, Phillips’ youth and athleticism give him a high ceiling. His ability to out-run and out-jump nearly everyone on the court makes him a perfect fit for a Bulls team that thrives on defensive chaos and transition scoring. As he continues to develop, his combination of length, bounce, and aggressiveness will carry him until he rounds out his game.
The Bulls are at a crossroads. After years of hovering around the Play-In Tournament, they’re poised for a breakout season, but they need every piece to click. Phillips, despite being low on the depth chart, could be the X-factor that pushes Chicago over the hump. His ability to provide elite defense and explosive transition plays adds a dimension the Bulls currently lack. If he can translate his preseason promise into regular-season production, Phillips could transform from a developmental prospect into a legitimate rotation player—and potentially the difference-maker in a playoff run.
Chicago’s wing depth is a strength, but it’s Phillips’ unique blend of size, athleticism, and untapped potential that makes him the Bulls’ secret weapon. Keep an eye on the 21-year-old scoring machine—he’s ready to make some noise.