Noa Essengue isn't a rookie by the NBA's definition, having been drafted by the Chicago Bulls with the 12th pick over a year ago. Despite making his league debut last November, Essengue's rookie season was cut short due to a dislocated left shoulder, which occurred twice. The Bulls medical team advised him to undergo surgery, and he missed the rest of the season. Now, at 19 years old, Essengue is growing up and seeking to make a first impression on Bulls fans. He has grown a couple of inches and speaks with more confidence, referring to new draftees as 'good kids' before correcting himself, acknowledging his own youth.
Essengue's rookie season consisted of only 6 minutes and 2 seconds on the court over two games for the Bulls. He played four additional games for the Windy City Bulls in the G League before his injury. The summer league opener in Las Vegas will mark Essengue's first competitive basketball outing in seven months. He described himself as '98%' recovered from the procedure, with his range of motion needing additional work, but feeling as if he's playing with a 'brand-new shoulder.'
New Bulls coach Tiago Splitter will use summer league as an opportunity to better understand Essengue's style of play and fit alongside his teammates. Splitter plans to shift Essengue from the three to the five in summer league, but acknowledges that the NBA has changed, and positions are no longer defined by traditional numbers. Splitter believes that Essengue will play at the four, but is open to a positionless approach, where players can play multiple roles.
Essengue is eager to get back on the court and compete in a game, and summer league provides a great opportunity for him to do so. He wants to learn how to play again and find a new feeling for basketball. With his injury behind him, Essengue is ready to make a fresh start and prove himself to the Bulls and their fans.
The summer league games will be crucial for Essengue to define himself in the NBA and show what he can bring to the team. With the new front office's preference for a lengthy, wing-heavy roster, Essengue's versatility will be an asset. He will need to work on his game and adapt to the new system, but the potential is there for him to make a significant impact.
As Essengue prepares for his first competitive game in seven months, he is focused on getting back to basics and enjoying the game. He wants to be back on the court, competing, and having fun. With a new season ahead, Essengue is ready to put his injury behind him and make a fresh start with the Chicago Bulls.