Noa Essengue's tantalizing start quickly forcing Bulls to adapt

Oct 9, 2025; Chicago, Illinois, USA; Chicago Bulls forward Noa Essengue (24) goes up for a shot against the Cleveland Cavaliers during the second half at United Center. Mandatory Credit: Patrick Gorski-Imagn Images | Patrick Gorski-Imagn ImagesWhen the Chicago Bulls drafted Noa Essengue with the No. 12 pick in the 2025 NBA Draft, they did so with an eye on the future. But based on Essengue's play through the team's first three preseason games, that future may come sooner than anticipated.

The French combo forward was the youngest player in the 2025 draft class. At just 18 years old and having only played professional basketball in the German Basketball Bundesliga -- not one of the top…