Julian Phillips Bio
Julian Phillips is an American professional basketball player currently affiliated with the Minnesota Timberwolves of the National Basketball Association (NBA). Born in Killeen, Texas, Phillips established himself as a highly decorated high school prospect before playing college basketball for the University of Tennessee Volunteers. The Chicago Bulls selected Phillips in the second round of the 2023 NBA Draft with the 35th overall pick. He has since developed into a solid rotation player in the NBA, showcasing his scoring ability and defensive versatility across multiple seasons.
Early Life and Background
Julian Phillips was born on November 5, 2003, in Killeen, Texas. His family moved to Columbia, South Carolina, when he was in the third grade after his parents, who both served in the U.S. Army, received orders to be stationed at Fort Jackson. This military family background shaped Phillips’ discipline and work ethic from an early age. He grew up in South Carolina and initially attended Blythewood High School, where he began to showcase his basketball talents at a high level.
Phillips transferred to Link Prep in Branson, Missouri, after his junior year of high school to further develop his game against stronger competition. During his senior year at Link Academy, he played in the prestigious McDonald’s All-American Boys Game, which features the nation’s top high school basketball prospects. Phillips was recognized as a consensus five-star recruit and ranked among the top 20 players in the 2022 recruiting class by major scouting services.
Path to Basketball
Phillips originally committed to play college basketball at Louisiana State University (LSU) after receiving offers from programs including Florida State, Tennessee, and USC. He signed a National Letter of Intent during the early signing period of his senior year. However, after LSU head coach Will Wade was fired, Phillips requested and received a release from his NLI, allowing him to reopen his recruitment. He ultimately chose to continue his career at the University of Tennessee after also considering offers from South Carolina and Auburn.
Phillips also explored the possibility of playing professionally in the NBA G League as an alternative path to his professional career. After carefully weighing his options, the talented small forward decided college basketball at Tennessee would best prepare him for the next level. His decision proved valuable as he developed significantly during his one season with the Volunteers.
Julian Phillips Career
Tennessee Volunteers (2022–2023)
Phillips entered his freshman season at Tennessee as the Volunteers’ starting small forward, immediately earning a prominent role on the team. He made an immediate impact during the 2022 Battle 4 Atlantis tournament, where he earned a spot on the All-Tournament team after averaging a team-leading 13.3 points per game over the course of the event. His performance against quality opposition demonstrated his ability to compete at a high level.
Throughout his freshman season, Phillips played in 32 games with 25 starts, averaging 8.3 points and 4.7 rebounds per game. His all-around contributions and consistency helped the Volunteers compete in the SEC conference. After the season concluded, Phillips declared for the 2023 NBA Draft while maintaining his college eligibility. He participated in the NBA Draft Combine and received positive feedback from NBA teams, which convinced him to remain in the draft rather than return to college.
Chicago Bulls (2023–2026)
The Boston Celtics selected Julian Phillips with the 35th overall pick in the 2023 NBA Draft. He was soon traded to the Chicago Bulls via the Washington Wizards, beginning his professional basketball career. Phillips made his NBA debut during the 2023-24 season, appearing in 40 games for the Bulls as a rookie. He recorded averages of 2.2 points, 0.9 rebounds, and 0.3 assists per game while adapting to the speed and physicality of professional basketball.
During the 2024-25 NBA season, Phillips took a significant step forward in his development. He appeared in 79 contests for Chicago, including five starts, averaging 4.6 points, 2.1 rebounds, and 0.5 assists per game. The increased playing time allowed him to showcase his scoring ability and defensive instincts on a more consistent basis. He became a valuable rotation piece for the Bulls as the season progressed.
Phillips continued his development into the 2025-26 season, making 35 appearances with two starts for Chicago. He averaged 2.8 points, 1.3 rebounds, and 0.2 assists per game during this stretch. His ability to space the floor and defend multiple positions made him a useful piece in the Bulls’ rotation system.
Minnesota Timberwolves (2026–Present)
On February 4, 2026, Phillips’ trajectory changed when the Chicago Bulls traded him to the Minnesota Timberwolves as part of a multiplayer deal. The Timberwolves acquired Phillips and teammate Ayo Dosunmu in exchange for Rob Dillingham, Leonard Miller, and four second-round draft picks. This trade represented a new opportunity for Phillips to contribute to a team with playoff aspirations. He joined the Timberwolves roster and began integrating into the team’s system.
Playing Style and Strengths
Phillips plays the small forward position and possesses good size for his role at 6 feet 6 inches tall. His combination of height and mobility allows him to guard multiple positions on the perimeter effectively. Offensively, he shows the ability to score in various ways, including perimeter shooting and driving to the basket. His basketball IQ and feel for the game have developed steadily throughout his young career, making him a reliable option when called upon.
Notable Milestones
Among his most significant accomplishments was being named a McDonald’s All-American during his senior year of high school, an honor reserved for the top 24 high school players in the country. His selection to the 2022 Battle 4 Atlantis All-Tournament team during his freshman year at Tennessee also highlighted his ability to perform in high-pressure situations against quality competition.
Julian Phillips Career Statistics
Throughout his NBA career spanning from 2023 to 2026, Phillips has appeared in over 150 professional games while playing for the Chicago Bulls and Minnesota Timberwolves organizations.
NBA Career Summary
Phillips’ rookie season saw him average 2.2 points per game while adapting to the professional level. His second season showed marked improvement with averages of 4.6 points and 2.1 rebounds per game, demonstrating his growth trajectory. Throughout his time with the Bulls organization, he appeared in over 150 total games across three seasons, establishing himself as a reliable rotation player in the league.
College Statistics
During his single season at Tennessee, Phillips played 32 games with 25 starts. He averaged 8.3 points per game and 4.7 rebounds per game as a freshman, showcasing his ability to contribute immediately at the collegiate level. His 13.3 points per game average during the Battle 4 Atlantis tournament indicated his potential as a go-to scorer.
Julian Phillips Personal Life
Julian Phillips was born to parents who both served in the U.S. Army, with the family stationed at Fort Jackson in South Carolina during Phillips’ childhood. This military background influenced his character development and provided him with a strong foundation of discipline and resilience. He grew up primarily in South Carolina before attending high school in both South Carolina and Missouri.
Phillips maintains a presence on social media under the handle @ju1ianphillips on Instagram. He continues to work on his game and develop his professional career while representing the organizations he plays for. Information about his current personal relationships remains private as he focuses on his basketball career.
2025 Season Performance
The 2024-25 NBA season represented a breakout year for Julian Phillips with the Chicago Bulls. Appearing in 79 games, Phillips demonstrated improved consistency and confidence on both ends of the floor. His averages of 4.6 points and 2.1 rebounds per game represented significant gains from his rookie campaign. The five games he started showed his ability to handle larger roles when needed.
Phillips’ development aligned well with the Bulls’ goals of building a competitive roster for the future. His defensive versatility allowed the coaching staff to use him in various matchups, while his offensive improvements made him a more complete player. The experience gained throughout the season positioned him well for increased responsibilities in subsequent years. His growth from a raw rookie to a capable NBA rotation player exemplified the trajectory the Bulls organization had envisioned when selecting him in the second round of the 2023 Draft.