The Chicago Bulls have been a completely different team since starting the season 6-1. The Bulls endured a five-game losing streak before collecting a few more wins. After losing on Wednesday night against the Brooklyn Nets, Chicago has hit their second five-game losing streak of the year.
Missing from the losing streak, and from the season altogether, is first-round pick Noa Essengue. Essengue has played in the G-League this season, and he was dominant in his few games with the Windy City Bulls. In four games, the French forward is averaging 23.0 points and 8.5 rebounds per game.
Unfortunately for the Bulls, Essengue suffered a shoulder injury in his latest G-League game. That injury requires surgery and will put him out for the remainder of the year, per K.C. Johnson of Chicago Sports Network.
Noa Essengue’s Injury Hurts More Than Expected
GettyNoa Essengue will miss the remainder of the year.
Essengue missing the whole season does not change much for the Bulls. Billy Donovan was not putting him on the court, and he was in the G-League at the time of his injury. Because of that, his injury does not change anything for Chicago. Still, his play for Windy City was enough to make a case for him to get some minutes at the NBA level.
Despite his lack of minutes, the 18-year-old could have helped the Bulls moving forward this season. Chicago is dealing with a plethora of injuries on their roster, and they have been very underwhelming lately. Had Essengue been given a chance, he could have really helped the team.
What this injury hurts the most is his development. He was getting great minutes in the G-League, and he was learning what it takes to be an NBA player. He was positively developing, albeit with a short sample size. Being out for the year, especially with a shoulder injury, means it is going to be a while before he does any basketball activities.
Essengue is still under 20 years old, though. This injury is not the end of the world. He will still be under 20 next year, as well. As long as he attacks his rehab and takes it seriously, his development should not take a massive hit.
Other Bulls’ Injuries
GettyKevin Huerter, amongst others, is missing time with an injury.
Essengue is not the only injury on the Bulls. In fact, some key contributors are currently missing time. The most important one is Coby White. White has re-injured his calf, and he will remain out for the time being.
Kevin Huerter was having a solid season before hurting his hamstring. Per K.C. Johnson, Huerter will be re-evaluated in a week.
Isaac Okoro, who was a starter at the start of the year, is out with a back injury. K.C. Johnson reports that Okoro is not necessarily close to returning to game action.
The Bulls have also been without Jalen Smith and Zach Collins, while Tre Jones sat on Wednesday, as well. The team is already struggling to win games, and the injuries piling up are only making it worse. Heading into December and the winter months, Chicago has to find a way to stay healthy.
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