The Chicago Bulls drafted a project player with the 12th pick of the 2025 NBA Draft, French forward Noa Essengue. The last few months show that their decision was likely a mistake, and their regret is only growing as time goes on.
The idea behind Noa Essengue was to take a shot on upside. The 6'9" lanky forward was all potential: athleticism and size and energy. His skill coming into the league was unpolished and undeveloped. The range of possibilities extended from Aleksej Pokusevski to Giannis Antetokounmpo -- a blank slate ready to be painted.
It is one thing to take a swing at upside if you have a reasonable shot at hitting the jackpot.