Only three first-round draft picks have yet to appear in a game this season: 15th-overall pick Thomas Sorber, sidelined by a torn ACL; 20th pick Kasparas Jakucionis, still nursing a groin injury; and 12th-overall pick Noa Essengue… because, well, he’s just not ready yet.
Despite being a lottery selection, Essengue hasn’t come close to seeing action this season. He’s already logged significant time with the Windy City Bulls, having been sent to Hoffman Estates twice. The first stint lasted three days before a recall; the second ended even quicker, with an immediate call-up following practice.
Bulls rookie awaits first opportunity
Still, while this has been the plan all along, there now appears to be a real path for Essengue to see some playing time in the near future.