The Bulls have officially signed their first-round pick, announcing (via Twitter) that forward Noa Essengue has finalized his rookie scale contract.
The No. 12 overall pick is expected to receive a four-year, $25.33MM deal that is fully guaranteed for the first two seasons, with team options on the third and fourth years. He’ll make $5.43MM as a rookie in 2025/26.
A 6’10” forward from France, Essengue signed with Ratiopharm Ulm in July 2023. He spent most of his first season with Ulm’s developmental team, but played a key role for the German club this past season, averaging 12.4 points, 5.3 rebounds, and 1.4 steals in 23.7 minutes per game across 18 EuroCup appearances.
As the second-youngest player in the 2025 draft class, Essengue may not play a significant role for the Bulls right away, but the team was pleased to land him at No. 12. General manager Marc Eversley said after the draft that the Frenchman was the best player available at that spot and “fits the style of play that we want to play.”
He fits our style of play. Run around like a chicken with your head cut off, Shoot whenever you’re within 4o feet of the hoop, Play no defense and hopefully win 150-149. Awesome.
:) You can watch his game from last year’s preseason against Portland. It’ll give you a good understanding of what he is a player. There’s a vid of him, of high and lowlights.
This year, I’d say he developed a better feel for positioning inside. He has a very interesting ability of finding pockets of space inside the arc in positional attacks, and using them effectively. Also, draws more fouls.
Rebounding stats might not jump out; he was used on the perimeter at Ulm. But profiling him as a shooter and trying to turn into one would be a mistake, IMO. Not the worst pick at 12, I’d say.
He was not mocked highly before the finals run with Ulm. Had he gone in the 20s, that would be a very good pick for somebody. At 12, expectations are higher. The guy doesn’t turn 19 until December.
I can’t wait to see him play in NBA Summer League in Vegas!
let’s hope he get betters than joakim noah
Why did you pass on Queen …… ?????
Because Queen is hella overrated. Made 7 3pts his whole season. Had more turnovers than steals/blocks combined and more fouls than rebounds. He has no burst/athleticism or floor spacinG.
I like this pick up fr, Noa is aGile, can switch in pick and rolls, has Good playmakinG and bball iq.
Need to improve the 3 to be more consistent but has a decent middy.
Needs to add about 30 pounds of muscle to adjust to NBA physicality.
But the kids like 18-19 still Gotta Grow into his Grown man size.
I like the player but why didnt the Bulls get in on that Pelicans trade of the #12 pick for the #23 and UNPROTECTED 1st rd pick next year