When you join a professional franchise like the Chicago Bulls, choosing your jersey numbers often has considerable meaning. Most players opt to go with what they wore in college or high school. Sometimes, it goes deeper than that, with ties to family or friends. Michael Jordan wore #45 when he returned in 1995 because it's what his older brother Larry wore. Derrick Rose wore #1 because he felt it represented his "alter ego," who played with an aggressive and dynamic style. So, what did Noa Essengue opt to go with?
Number 24.
That is an interesting choice with some intriguing Bulls history. Reggie Theus was the first name to truly popularize it in the late 1970s, becoming a two-time All-Star in Chicago. Next was Bill Cartwright, center of the first Bulls three-peat from 1991 to 1993. Since then, it has covered the bodies of multiple failed 1st round picks like Tyrus Thomas and Lauri Markkanen. Essengue explained to Chicago Sports Net that he chose #24 for two primary reasons.
- It is double his usual #12, currently held by Zach Collins.
- Kobe Bryant wore the number, whom Essengue idolized growing up.
Noa Essengue has a chance to bring #24 back to relevance.
Bryant famously switched to that number later in his career, hoping to escape the cloud of rape allegations when he wore #8. It worked out. He won two of his five championships in that jersey. Noa Essengue could make #24 popular in Chicago for the first time in 30 years. He certainly has the talent. Few players have his unique mix of height, length, and athleticism. Defense shouldn't be a problem. Everything will come down to how his offensive game develops. He's still only 18 years old. This will likely take a couple of years. The Bulls seem more than willing to take the risk. You can bet there will be tons of #24 jerseys in the United Center every night if he becomes the player he's capable of being.
