Forward Julian Phillips drifted to the left corner in the third quarter as guard Zach LaVine drove to the basket. LaVine whipped a pass to Phillips, who made a three-pointer.
On the Bulls’ next possession, Phillips received a pass from guard Josh Giddey and drilled another three-pointer. Then, with 3:48 left in the quarter, Phillips pump-faked and attacked a closeout, which led to a three-pointer by guard Dalen Terry.
Coach Billy Donovan cited those plays as examples of how the young players can continue to grow after the Bulls’ 124-121 loss to the Grizzlies on Saturday.
“Those young guys drove it,” Donovan said. “They’re trying to finish at the rim, and that’s not what’s open, and that’s not the play. They’ll learn from it.”
Phillips scored 21 points and grabbed eight rebounds, showcasing all the skills that make him an intriguing option for the Bulls’ rotation. He made shots, ran the floor in transition and created extra possessions by battling Grizzlies 7-4 center Zach Edey for rebounds.
“On some of the plays, [Phillips] had some really good drives and some good cuts that he just didn’t need to try to go up in traffic with three guys on him around the basket,” Donovan said. “He’ll learn, but he’s played really well.”
Balancing youth with veterans will be a challenge for the Bulls this season. The youngsters have the potential and are more in tune with the team’s fast-paced style, but the veterans make the team more competitive.
But with all that youth comes mistakes. Donovan said the team has to improve its decision-making, but the main way to improve is through playing time. Phillips’ play has improved in the two preseason games. The Bulls’ up-tempo style suits him. He has improved as a decision-maker and shooter.
“You can see [Phillips’] progression just from last year to this year,” said LaVine, who had a game-high 28 points. “The way he’s shooting the ball, cutting, he’s always been a really good defender. Dalen’s been making an impact every time he’s come into the game the last couple of games. They’re both being impactful players when they come in.”
The Bulls’ pickle is getting their young guys experience while remaining competitive. Matas Buzelis is bound to have games like this one — he shot 1-for-9 from the field. Phillips won’t always make five three-pointers. There are going to be games in which Terry’s shot makes it hard for him to stay on the court. And turnovers could be an issue for the Bulls all season; they had 18 against Memphis.
“[Terry] always plays with energy,” Donovan said. “He gets himself involved in plays. He gets his hands on plays. He’s deflecting. But, again, late turnovers, just some of those plays. Julian, all those [young] guys, that’s the learning curve for them. In a lot of ways, we talk about the development piece, and I understand that, but they also need to understand what are the things that put your team in a difficult situation and make it hard to overcome.
“It’s the decision-making; it’s the fouling; it’s the giving up offensive rebounds; it’s the turnovers. All those things bleed in, right?”
The Bulls will have to weigh how much to let the young players play through mistakes and when to turn to their veteran options this season. V