The Chicago Bulls took on the Memphis Grizzlies on Saturday night in their second game of Summer League action. After taking down the Toronto Raptors on Friday, the Bulls lost to Memphis by a score of 87-80. Once again, Chicago struggled with efficiency.
The Bulls shot just 40.0% from the field and 33.3% from deep against the Grizzlies. Memphis big man Kenneth Lofton Jr. continued to wreak havoc on Summer League, pouring in 23 points to go along with four rebounds, two steals, and three blocks, but the Bulls had some solid performers on their side of things, too, all highlighted by a certain point guard.
Let’s take a look at the top notes from Chicago’s loss to the Grizzlies.
Bulls Summer League Notebook: The Jevon Freeman-Liberty show
Javon Freeman-Liberty has been by far the best player on this Bulls Summer League team.
pic.twitter.com/s7q4eWFkeW— 💵 (@FieldsLaVine) July 9, 2023
Stats: 24 points, 6 rebounds, 5 assists, 9-of-15 FG, 4-of-6 3PT
Was there any doubt as to what the first note was going to be?
Javon Freeman-Liberty has become the best player on a Bulls team that includes Chicago’s only drafted rookie, an NCAA Champion, and Dalen Terry, who was touted as the top guy heading into the summer.
His ball-handling, athleticism, and general feel for the game have all been super impressive in Summer League thus far. Chicago needs point guard depth, and Freeman-Liberty’s play should have heads turning in the front office.
Bulls Summer League Notebook: Julian Phillips makes Bulls debut
Stats: 2 points, 4 rebounds, 3 turnovers, 4 fouls, 1-of-2 FG
Rookie Julian Phillips sat out Chicago’s first Summer League game as he had yet to sign his contract, but he made his debut against the Grizzlies.
Being Chicago’s top rookie, a lot of fans were excited to see him get out on the court, and while the athleticism was clearly there, Phillips didn’t have a huge impact on this one.
He picked up too many fouls and often looked a bit frantic on the floor for Chicago. Phillips has been held in high regard for his defense and athleticism, and the tools are all there, he just needs to rein it in a bit.
Bulls Summer League Notebook: Adama Sanogo finds some solid ground
Stats: 8 points, 12 rebounds (6 OREB), 1 assist, 1 steal, 1 block, 3-of-5 FG
In the Bulls’ first game against the Raptors, Adama Sanogo looked a bit lost at times. He wasn’t able to find his place on the floor and was often out of place.
He found his footing a bit against the Grizzlies.
The big man out of UConn seemed much more comfortable in his second Summer League appearance, dominating the glass and avoiding fouling in his limited minutes.
Sanogo is on a two-way deal with the Bulls for the upcoming season, and it was nice to see him settle down and play his game in this one.
