Noa Essengue was supposed to be the Bulls’ next big thing. A lottery pick with athletic upside, defensive instincts, and raw potential — a player Chicago hoped would anchor its future. Yet five games into the new season, the 19-year-old forward hasn’t touched the court once. And now, in a move that caught many by surprise, the Bulls have decided to send him to the G League before his NBA debut.
The decision came just hours before Chicago’s 135–125 win over the Knicks. Head coach Billy Donovan announced Essengue would join the Windy City Bulls for an “extended” developmental stint — the first real sign that the team’s approach to its rookie will be cautious, deliberate, and very long-term.
For Essengue, who had been suiting up eagerly before every game and warming up with the starters, the news hit hard. “Of course I was a little disappointed,” he admitted. “But this is part of the process. I just want to get better and prove I’m ready.”
This “slow burn” development path isn’t new for Chicago. Last season, Donovan kept Matas Buzelis on a tight leash early on — pulling him for small mistakes and managing his minutes carefully. That approach frustrated fans but eventually paid off, as Buzelis exploded in the second half of the season and became a consistent starter.
The Bulls hope Essengue’s story will follow a similar arc. But this time, the leash is even shorter.
Essengue, who turns 19 in December, is one of the youngest players in the league. His frame — long, lean, and still developing — makes him a work in progress both physically and technically. “He’s got to invest a lot of time in his body,” Donovan said. “He lacks a little bit of strength, and that affects how he plays off the dribble, sets screens, and holds his position. This will all come with time.”
That time, it seems, will come in the G League. There, Essengue will focus on three things: building strength, improving decision-making under pressure, and refining his offensive skill set — particularly finishing through contact and extending his shooting range.
Still, fans are restless. The Bulls are off to their best start in 29 years, and supporters are eager to see what the franchise’s young core can do together. But for now, Essengue’s highlight moments will happen far from the bright lights of the United Center.
Yet behind the scenes, there’s optimism. Teammates like Nikola Vučević and Buzelis have praised the rookie’s attitude and work ethic. “It’s just part of his growth,” Vučević said. “We’ve all been there. Sometimes you play, sometimes you don’t. But he’s learning fast.”
Learning, in fact, is the theme of Essengue’s rookie year. Every practice, every film session, every pregame drill is a lesson in the NBA lifestyle — from eating and sleeping routines to mental preparation. He’s absorbing it all.
At every home game, hours before tip-off, Essengue works one-on-one with Bulls coaches John Bryant and L.D. Williams. Their sessions are brutal — a mix of strength drills, one-on-one battles, and shooting circuits that push him to exhaustion. These moments, unseen by fans, may be the foundation for the player he’ll become.
Essengue’s story isn’t one of failure — it’s one of patience. The Bulls believe they’ve drafted a long-term cornerstone, not a quick fix. And as one team insider put it: “We’re not worried about October or November. We’re building for 2027.”
For now, Noa Essengue waits. The jersey stays folded, the lights dim, and the stage is set for the long game. His NBA debut will come — just not yet.
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