Chicago Bulls Rookie Watch - Noa Essengue

The Chicago Bulls have been floundering in a retooling stage for what seems like forever. Not exactly good enough to compete with the true playoff teams in the Eastern Conference, but not exactly bad enough to warrant a high lottery pick. This summer, the team went off the radar when they selected 18-year-old French forward Noa Essengue with the 12th overall pick. While there may have been more experienced, proven names on the board, the Bulls went with what many deem a “boom or bust” prospect that could have a significant impact on the team’s future. 

Standing 6’10” with a 7’1” wingspan, the teen from Orleans, France, has, like many international players, already gotten a taste of playing at the professional level when he suited up for Ratiopharm Ulm in Germany’s Basketball Bundesliga League. Averaging 12.4 points and 5.3 rebounds, Essengue showed scouts a versatile skill set for a player his size. With the ability to handle the ball, run the floor, and defend multiple positions, Essengue fits exactly the type of player that the modern-day NBA is looking for.

Summer League displayed what made Essengue so attractive to the Bulls front office and also what may have deterred other teams from taking a chance on him so early in the draft. After putting up a disappointing effort in his first game, Essengue bounced back to drop a double-double stat line and then a 32-point outing against the Indiana Pacers. While he was able to display all of his physical tools, it also showed that he may have a big learning curve. 

While it is likely that Essengue will split time between the NBA roster and the Windy City Bulls (G-League), as he adjusts to the American pace and style of play, his timeline fits alongside the team’s young core. With 22-year-old guard Josh Giddey and 20-year-old small forward Matas Buzelis, the Bulls are hoping the trio is their foundation for the future.

Depending on how the team sees sixth-year forward Patrick Williams fitting into their plans after struggling to develop into the player they envisioned, a modest stat line of 5-7 points and 4-5 rebounds isn’t far-fetched for a team focused on developing their young talent.