Chicago Bulls Draft Analysis: A Brief Look at the Potential of Julian Phillips and Adama Sonogo

Julian Phillips

-Drafted 35th Overall

-Bulls traded up to get him, sending 2 future 2nd round picks to the Washington Wizards

2022-2023 Stats at the University of Alabama

Per Game: 8.3 Points, 4.7 Rebounds, 1.4 Assist, 0.6 Steal, 0.5 Block, 1.3 Turnovers, 1.8 Fouls

Shooting Percentages:

FG-41%, 3pt-24%, FT-82%

Julian Phillips, from the University of Alabama, is a combo Forward standing tall at 6'8" and boasting a strong build and the highest verticle in the draft. Phillips obvious strengths are his insane athleticism and overall versatility. His ability to attack the rim effectively adds another dimension to his scoring arsenal, making him a versatile offensive weapon. Phillips has great ball-handling skills that allow him to create his own shot and initiate offense when necessary. Furthermore, his explosive athleticism shines brightly in transition, where he becomes a relentless threat on fast breaks, often finishing with authority above the rim.

However, as with any young player, there are areas in Phillips' game that require refinement and improvement. Although he possesses a solid shooting stroke, his consistency can waver at times, particularly under pressure. Developing more reliable and consistent shooting mechanics will be crucial for Phillips to establish himself as a go-to scoring option. On the defensive end, Phillips showcases the potential to be a solid contributor, utilizing his length and athleticism to guard multiple positions effectively. However, he needs to work on his lateral quickness and defensive discipline to effectively defend against elite NBA scorers. Improving his defensive fundamentals, such as positioning and off-ball awareness, will be vital for him to become a reliable defender at the next level.

In addition to his offensive and defensive abilities, Phillips' overall decision-making and court vision have room for growth. While he displays solid passing skills, he occasionally makes questionable decisions, especially under pressure or in traffic. Enhancing his decision-making abilities and developing a better understanding of when to pass, shoot, or drive will make him a more effective playmaker and teammate.

Despite the areas that need refinement, Julian Phillips brings tremendous potential and upside to the Chicago Bulls. With further development, refinement of his shooting consistency, and defensive growth, he has the potential to become a reliable scoring option and a valuable asset on both ends of the court. As Phillips adjusts to the demands of the NBA and gains experience, it will be intriguing to see how he fits into the Bulls' system and contributes to the team's success.

As with any 2nd round pick, we shouldn't expect to see Julian get a ton of minutes, and the focus will be on his development, likely spending some time with the Windy City Bulls. However, as of this writing the Bulls are still lacking forward depth, particularly at PF, where he may get some opportunities. His selection definitely fits the mold of what Bulls Management have been looking for recently. Their previous 2 draft picks, Patrick Williams and Dalen Terry, were also very athletic, versatile and raw players with high upside, but in need of developing.

Adama Sanogo

Signed as a Undrafted Free Agent, shortly after the draft ended.

2022-2023 Stats at UConn

Per Game: 17.2 Points, 7.7 Rebounds, 1.3 Assist, 0.7 Steal, 0.8 Block, 1.9 Turnovers, 2.7 Fouls

Shooting Percentages:

FG-61%, 3pt-37%, FT-77%

Adama Sonogo, an imposing center from the University of Connecticut where he was a dominant presence in the paint. Sonogo is has an old-school playstyle, utilizing his size and strength to score inside. Standing tall at 6'9" with a strong frame and the physicality to establish deep position in the post, makes him a reliable scoring threat around the rim. Sonogo's ability to finish strong at the basket, often absorbing contact, adds a valuable dimension to his offensive game. He demonstrates excellent touch and footwork around the rim, utilizing his size and power to convert high-percentage shots.

While Sonogo has the physical tools to be effective at rebounding and shot-blocking, these are areas in his game that require further development. Offensively, Sonogo needs to expand his shooting range to become a more well-rounded scoring threat. Developing a reliable mid-range jumper, or corner three, is necessary to stretch defenses and open up scoring lanes for his teammates. Additionally, continuing to refine his footwork in the post and adding a wider range of post moves will make him a more formidable offensive weapon, enabling him to score efficiently from various angles and situations.

Defensively, Sonogo's has shown flashes of shot-blocking prowess, as he possesses excellent timing, length, and instincts to disrupt opponents' shots. However, he occasionally struggles with discipline, committing fouls or getting caught out of position. Improving his defensive awareness and decision-making will be crucial for maximizing his impact as a rim protector. Sonogo needs to develop a better sense of when to challenge shots aggressively and when to prioritize maintaining defensive position to avoid fouls. Strengthening his defensive fundamentals, such as positioning, communication, and off-ball awareness, will make him a more reliable and consistent defensive presence.

With dedicated focus and the guidance of the Bulls' coaching staff, Adama Sonogo has the potential to become a formidable force in the paint. Expanding his offensive repertoire, refining his defensive discipline, and continuing to hone his physical attributes will be pivotal for his growth and contribution to the team. As Sonogo adapts to the rigors of the NBA and gains experience against elite competition, it will be fascinating to witness his development and how his presence impacts the Bulls' overall success. As with any undrafted player, we can expect this to be a development year, and barring injuries or additional trades, Sonogo is likely to spend a lot of time with the Windy City Bulls.

Statistics via SportsReference.com

Images via BoxandOne