The Chicago Bulls drafted Noa Essengue with the 12th pick in the 2025 NBA draft. Essengue played a little bit in the preseason, but he has yet to see action in games that matter this year. Because of this, the Bulls decided to give their first-round pick the chance to play some valuable minutes with the Windy City Bulls in the G League.
The French forward made his G League debut on Tuesday night. He played 29 minutes and showed why he was drafted so high. In his 29 minutes, Essengue shot 11-for-21 from the field and 2-for-6 from three-point range. He finished with 28 points, eight rebounds, one assist, and he turned the ball over just one time.
Essengue has yet to be recalled from Windy City, but the G League team does not play again until Sunday, so Essengue should rejoin the Bulls soon.
Noa Essengue Provides Even More Depth in Chicago
GettyAyo Dosunmu is averaging 15.3 points per game this season.
The Bulls’ biggest strength is the depth of the team. Despite their three-game losing streak, Chicago has still received some solid play from their bench. Particularly, Ayo Dosunmu has been making a case to win the Sixth Man of the Year award. He is averaging 15.3 points per game, good for third-best on the Bulls.
Along with Dosunmu, Chicago has gotten great production from Kevin Huerter, Jalen Smith, and Patrick Williams. In fact, the Bulls are second in the NBA in bench points per game with 44.8.
Chicago is only going to get deeper, as well. Coby White is set to return soon, which will, presumably, push Isaac Okoro to the bench. Zach Collins should also be back on the court shortly. Adding Essengue to the mix will make Chicago one of the deepest teams in the league.
When the Bulls are healthy, they will have a roster of 11 players, including Essengue, who could make an impact. However, playing 11 different players in a game is not something that happens too much in the NBA. Realistically, Billy Donovan will try to keep the Bulls with a lineup of nine players.
How Does Essengue Fit in the Mix?
GettyThe Bulls could opt to keep Essengue in the G League for a few more games.
The truth of the matter is Essengue is buried on the roster. If he can prove himself to be more valuable than a player like Okoro or Williams, there is a path for him to earn playing time. However, when White and Collins return, it is going to be very hard to give Essengue the minutes he needs to properly develop.
Essengue will have to play well defensively, while still being a threat to score from all levels. At 6-foot-8 and just 18 years old, the first-round pick has plenty of time to develop into a great player. Because of the depth Chicago already has, they could opt to keep him in the G League for a few more games.
No matter what the decision is on Essengue, his performance on Tuesday night proves the Bulls made the right choice in the draft.
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