The Bulls continued to take the long road in rebuilding the team (which might be frustrating to fans after all these years) by taking Frenchman Noa Essengue in the first round of the NBA Draft.
“He’s the second-youngest player in the draft; he’s a skilled power forward who has the skills to score,” Bulls general manager Marc Eversley said. “He’s excellent in transition, and he can play above the rim. He’s got great hands and a great feel for the game.”
How do NBA watchers think the Bulls did by adding Essengue? Here’s a rundown of draft grades from national outlets.
CBS Sports: B
CBS generally liked the pick, saying there is a lot of upside to Essengue. But added, “there is a lot to be encouraged about but he has to refine his game and add muscle mass to his frame.”
NBC Sports: B+
NBC also sees Essengue as a longer-term project for the Bulls, writing “Essengue’s fluid athleticism and high motor means he could be the guy in a few years where everyone says, ‘How did he fall to 12th?’ ”
Sports Illustrated: B+
There seems to be a theme developing here. SI says “Essengue isn’t as game-ready as some of the other options on the board for Chicago, but he’s an intriguing long-term option.”
Yahoo Sports: B
Yahoo’s Kevin O’Connor provides some details on how Essengue’s game has improved: “He went from someone to hack and put on the free-throw line to an improved FT shooter. He was also a 3-point shooting liability who improved from there as well.”
Bleacher Report: B+
Bleacher Report notes that Essengue doesn’t particularly catch your eye in any single category, but he is improving his all-around game: “His skills almost all need refinement — he’s not really a standout in anything — but few, if any, seem hopeless. Plus, time is very much on his side”
USA Today: B
“Noa Essengue … will give the Bulls another interior option,” says USA Today.
For The Win: B-
Bryan Kalbrosky of For The Win likes the latest piece of the Bulls’ rebuild: “Don’t expect Essengue to make an immediate contribution in the NBA, but if he’s given the time to keep growing his game, this is a smart gamble for a team just looking to add talent.”
On3: B+
James Fletcher III of On3 joins the great potential chorus: “Noa Essengue is an analytics darling with his ability to produce defensively in Europe, while getting high-efficiency looks on offense. … Big performances late in the season have him on the rise, building even more hope he can unlock his potential.”
SB Nation: A-
SB Nation stands out with its grade of A- in their assessment of the pick: “Speed in transition feels like where the Bulls want to go with their franchise, and Essengue is one of the best in the class in that area.”
The Sporting News: B-
The Sporting News’ Gilbert McGregor thinks taking Essengue was the logical choice. “The Bulls are starting to build something with Matas Buzelis, Josh Giddey, and Coby White at the forefront, so in theory, a 6-9 wing with scary defensive potential is the next logical addition. Again, the big picture is important to keep in mind here.”
