Noa Essengue enters his second year with the Chicago Bulls aiming to solidify his place in the NBA after an injury-shortened rookie season limited his opportunities to showcase his potential. Drafted 12th overall more than a year ago, the 19-year-old forward appeared in just two regular-season games last November, totaling just over six minutes of playing time. He also spent time with the Windy City Bulls in the G League before a pair of shoulder dislocations ended his inaugural campaign prematurely and led to offseason surgery.
Essengue underwent a procedure to stabilize his left shoulder and prevent future dislocations, sidelining him for the remainder of his first season. Now approximately seven months removed from the operation, he reports feeling around 98% recovered with improving range of motion, describing his condition as a "brand-new shoulder." He will make his competitive return at the Bulls’ summer league opener Friday in Las Vegas, marking his first game action since the injury.
Despite limited court time, Essengue said he gained valuable insight during the past year, observing veterans such as former Bulls center Nikola Vučević and learning about the professional routines related to recovery and diet. Physically, he has grown a few inches and added weight, aiming to develop a versatile frame capable of playing multiple frontcourt positions. On a personal level, Essengue has recognized his mental approach requires improvement, as he tended to dwell on mistakes during games, making it harder to keep pace with the fast tempo of the NBA. He hopes to be more resilient this season.
New Bulls coach Tiago Splitter sees Essengue as a player with evolving versatility but believes his best fit presently is at the power forward spot, or “four,” though Splitter emphasizes the diminishing relevance of traditional positions in today’s NBA. “The NBA is turning to a positionless league because everybody’s got to be able to do everything,” Splitter said, noting that modern lineups often feature multiple wings and fewer designated point guards. In summer league, Essengue will shift to play primarily at center.
Essengue is also navigating his role alongside fellow young Bulls draftees Caleb Wilson and Dailyn Swain. He acknowledges growing more confident while realizing he is still on an upward trajectory of development. "I will say this is like my rookie season, but now I’ve got the experience of last year. That’s a better opportunity for me," he said.
The upcoming summer league campaign represents Essengue’s chance to make a first lasting impression on Bulls fans and coaches—a chance the injury-riddled rookie season denied him. With additional physical growth, a refreshed outlook, and the guidance of Splitter and the Bulls’ new front office, Essengue is trying to take the next step in his NBA journey.