Bulls Select Noa Essengue in Round 1 of the 2025 NBA Draft

The Chicago Bulls used the 12th overall pick in the 2025 NBA Draft to take a long-term swing on Noa Essengue, an 18-year-old French forward who brings physical tools, intriguing instincts, and considerable rawness to the table. Standing at 6-foot-9, Essengue spent last season with Ratiopharm Ulm, appearing in 50 games across all competitions — including the EuroCup — where he flashed athleticism, rebounding activity, and flashes of two-way upside despite being one of the youngest prospects in the draft. The selection makes it clear: the Bulls are investing in future payoff, not immediate production.

Essengue averaged 10.9 points per game on 51.7% shooting while taking just 6.5 field goal attempts per contest — a sign of efficient scoring in a limited offensive role. He shot 26.4% from three on 2.1 attempts and hit 71.6% of his free throws on five trips to the line per game. Add in 4.8 rebounds (1.4 offensive), 1.1 assists, and 1.0 steal in just 23 minutes per game, and you get a profile that suggests a low-usage, high-motor player with room to expand his game.

Most of Essengue’s scoring comes off effort plays — cuts, putbacks, and trips to the line — rather than isolation or shot creation. He reads spacing well off the ball and finishes around the rim with touch and vertical burst. However, his jumper remains unrefined. The 26.4% mark from three underscores his limitations as a floor-spacer, and he currently offers little threat in pick-and-pop or mid-range settings. His offensive game lacks versatility and will need significant shooting development to survive in today’s NBA.

Physically, Essengue has a strong foundation. At 6-foot-9 with a solid frame and bounce, he fits the mold of a modern forward in terms of vertical tools. But his lateral quickness and burst leave questions about his ability to defend in space or handle faster wings. He may project more as a small-ball center than a true hybrid forward, which brings concerns about positional fit against NBA-level size and speed.

Essengue’s on-ball offense is still very much a work in progress. His handle is loose, his drives are often mechanical, and he struggles to create separation. At times, he forces contact and commits offensive fouls rather than finding clean finishing angles. Without a reliable jumper or playmaking chops, he risks becoming a non-factor in half-court sets. He averaged just 1.1 assists per game and isn’t a natural connector — most of his reads are reactive, not anticipatory.

Defensively, his film shows some flashes — thanks in part to his length and timing — but also plenty of raw moments. He played mostly zone defense with Ulm, making his man-to-man projection difficult. He’s capable of contesting shots and disrupting passing lanes, but lapses in positioning, lunging on closeouts, and undisciplined fouls appear often. While his rebounding numbers are decent (4.8 total, 1.4 offensive), defensive awareness and switchability remain major development areas.

Essengue’s NBA role is still undefined. He lacks the ball skills or quickness to play the wing and may not be strong enough to hold his own in the post yet. His best-case outcome could be as an energy big who defends multiple positions and contributes through rebounding, cutting, and hustle — but only if his shot improves dramatically and his mobility progresses.

Given the current holes in his game, Essengue may benefit most from continued development overseas or time in the G League. A dedicated focus on jump shooting mechanics, defensive footwork, and decision-making could eventually unlock a rotation role. The Bulls appear to be treating this pick as a stash-and-develop investment — and while the payoff is uncertain, the physical foundation gives them something to mold.

By selecting Essengue at No. 12, Chicago embraced upside and long-term vision. With just 18 years of age and a full EuroCup season under his belt, there’s plenty of time for growth. But right now, he’s not ready to contribute meaningfully at the NBA level. His three-point shooting (26.4%), assist rate (1.1), and limited creation ability all reflect how far he has to go. This isn’t a pick made for the present. It’s a developmental gamble — one the Bulls hope turns raw traits into real NBA impact.