The Chicago Bulls could've gone multiple different directions with their 12th overall pick in the first round. Fans had hoped they might try trading up for one of the more proven players in the class—somebody who can help them immediately. Maryland center Derik Queen felt like an obvious possibility, given that the team is likely to move on from Nikola Vucevic at some point soon. His size, athleticism, and ball-handling skills were alluring. However, Arturas Karnisovas decided to trust his roots in the international arena, selecting Noah Essengue from France.
Initial reactions to the pick were mixed. Some didn't like it. They felt the skinny 18-year-old was way too much of a project and couldn't help the team for at least a couple of years—that is, assuming he could help them at all. Others loved his mix of size, range, aggressiveness, and two-way potential. Killian Wright of Sports Illustrated not only thinks Chicago got a good player, but one of the steals of the entire night.
He broke down why.
The Chicago Bulls had a plethora of prospects to choose from at pick No. 12, but hit a home run with French forward Noa Essengue. He serves as a potential building block for a new era of Bulls basketball, centered around himself, Matas Buzelis and Josh Giddey...
...Essengue's also risen to the occasion in big games, dropping 20-plus points multiple times in the Bundesliga Basketball League's playoffs, along with a 20 point performance against the Portland Trail Blazers in a 2024 preseason contest.
His mobility and near 7-foot-1 wingspan make him a matchup nightmare for opposing scorers, possessing an ability to switch and pressure the ball against a wide range of archetypes. He's also a stock machine willing to take risks to jump passes and make a play from the help-side. Doing this sparks easy transition looks for him that will only be amplified now that he's in Chicago.
Noa Essengue won't be rushed into anything.
The Bulls are clearly committed to a transition period, allowing their younger players to learn and grow. Matas Buzelis took advantage of that last season, showing rapid development. Head coach Billy Donovan has his share of critics but has a strong track record for mentoring young guys. This dates back to his time in college. Noa Essengue ended up in a good situation for what will be asked of him. If the Bulls are willing to be patient, he has all the tools to become an All-Star. He's earned comparisons to Nicolas Batum and Pascal Siakam. Obviously, time will tell. Talent alone won't determine his NBA fate. He must show he has the drive and mental toughness for the coming grind.
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