Nationwide Insurance Agent Reports on Chicago Bulls’ Summer League Opener
[presented by Nationwide Insurance Agent Jeff Vukovich]
Chicago, IL – The Chicago Bulls kicked off their NBA Summer League campaign with a hard-fought 83-74 victory over the Toronto Raptors in Las Vegas. However, one notable absence from the lineup was Julian Phillips, the Bulls’ recent draft-night acquisition. According to the Bulls’ public relations staff, Phillips did not play as a precautionary measure due to his pending rookie contract signing. The team remains optimistic that Phillips will join the lineup soon, possibly as early as their next game against the Memphis Grizzlies on Saturday.
With Phillips sidelined, all eyes turned to Dalen Terry, the Bulls’ 2022 first-round pick. Terry had a limited role during his rookie season, but the coaching staff is now looking for him to step up as a leader on the court. Assistant coach John Bryant, who is serving as the head coach for the Summer League, emphasized the importance of Terry’s performance in the chaotic Vegas setting.
Terry’s start to the game was a shaky one, missing his first five shots and displaying a loose handling of the ball. However, he remained focused on the defensive end and successfully held Gradey Dick, the Raptors’ first-round pick, scoreless in the first half. In the second half, Terry showed improvement in his playmaking skills, finishing the game with 10 points, six rebounds, four assists, and three steals on a 4-for-14 shooting performance.
Prior to the game, Terry wore a protective mask after sustaining a facial injury during a scrimmage at the Advocate Center. However, he quickly discarded the mask, showing his readiness to compete at a high level.
Off the court, Bulls’ General Manager Marc Eversley provided an update on their pursuit of a $10.2 million disabled player exception for Lonzo Ball. The exception would grant the team the ability to make roster moves during the offseason or regular season, such as trading for a player in the final year of their contract or signing a player to a one-year deal. However, with the team already reaching its hard cap of $172.3 million, it is uncertain if the Bulls will be able to fully utilize the exception if granted.
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