The Chicago Bulls selected 18 year-old French forward Noa Essengue with the No. 12 pick in the NBA Draft, signaling their commitment to building a youthful, dynamic roster. Standing at 6’10” with a 7’1” wingspan, Essengue brings versatility, athleticism, and defensive prowess from his time with Ratiopharm Ulm in Germany’s Basketball Bundesliga. Averaging 12.4 points, 5.3 rebounds, and 1.4 steals in EuroCup play, he showcased his potential as a two-way player.
Comparisons to Pascal Siakam and Kawhi Leonard highlight his upside, though his 28.9% three-point shooting needs real work. Essengue’s high-energy style and ability to guard multiple positions make him a perfect fit for Chicago’s fast-paced, transition-heavy system. As the Bulls likely move away from veterans like Nikola Vučević, Essengue joins Matas Buzelis to form a promising frontcourt of the future.
Five Things Bulls Fans Should Know About Noa Essengue:
EuroCup Experience: Essengue averaged 12.4 points and 5.3 rebounds in 18 EuroCup games, proving he can compete at a high level.
Defensive Versatility: His 7’1” wingspan and mobility allow him to switch across positions, bolstering Chicago’s defense.
High Motor: Known for his relentless energy, Essengue excels in transition and as a rim-running finisher.
Bulls fans should be excited about Essengue’s raw talent and potential to become a cornerstone for the franchise.
Shooting Development: His 28.9% three-point shooting needs work, but his form shows promise for improvement.
Youthful Potential: At 18, Essengue is the second-youngest player in the 2025 draft, offering long-term upside alongside Buzelis.
