The Chicago Bulls knew Noa Essengue was raw when they selected him with the No. 12 pick in the 2025 NBA Draft. The Frenchman was the youngest player in the class, and the franchise was prepared to let him play through some growing pains in the G League.
But Essengue has dominated with the Windy City Bulls while the NBA squad deals with a limited frontcourt, which means Chicago is facing a reality it wasn't prepared for: The 18-year-old has a clear role to play in the big leagues right now.
The Chicago Bulls need Noa Essengue
Head coach Billy Donovan has been missing his backup center, Zach Collins, since the preseason.