Noa Essengue hasn’t experienced much NBA success so far, but the Bulls still believe he can develop into a productive player, Julia Poe of The Chicago Tribune writes in a subscriber-only story. After being selected with the 12th pick in the 2025 draft, Essengue suffered a shoulder injury that required surgery and ended his rookie season after just two games. He’s getting his first chance to contribute this fall, averaging 14 minutes per night in six games, and although the results have been mixed, coach Tiago Splitter views him as a potential high-level defender.

“He’s one of the best sliders, if a word existed for it,” Splitter said. “He can pick up guys full court. His ability to move his feet is elite, really. He’s still making mistakes. He’s a 19-year-old who is learning how to play and compete at the highest level. I think he can be a tremendous player one day in this league.”

Chicago picked up its third-year option on Essengue last month, another sign that he remains in the team’s long-term plans. Poe observes that the Bulls’ rebuilding process provides a positive environment for Essengue, who figures to need several years to fully develop his skills.

“It’s not always easy to lose,” he said. “But I don’t let myself worry about that because I know we’re going to play for something big in a few years. We’re doing the right thing.”

There’s more from Chicago:

• The Bulls’ offseason changes have contributed to Matas Buzelis’ slow start, Joel Lorenzi of The Athletic states in a mailbag column. Rookie Caleb Wilson has been given a significant role in the offense, while Norman Powell is a volume shooter and Jalen Smith, who has started the first seven games at center due to Nic Claxton’s injury, is attempting 5.1 three-point shots per night. That has resulted in fewer opportunities for Buzelis, who often finds himself playing out of the corners. Lorenzi notes that Buzelis doesn’t have the handle to serve as a creator, and he’s being asked to process the offense from different spots than he’s used to.
• The starting lineup has fit together awkwardly so far, but Splitter isn’t in a hurry to make changes, Lorenzi adds. He points out that because Splitter is new to the team, it would seem like a panic move to adjust the starting five so early in the season. “I think it’s a feeling,” Splitter responded when asked when he might be comfortable changing it up. “I don’t think I have a number for that. I think it’s more of a feeling and see how the season goes, and I go from there. It’s more like, what’s the state of the players? The team?”
• Claxton, who’s been dealing with a strained left hamstring, will be held out of tonight’s game at New York, but he hasn’t suffered any setbacks in his recovery, Lorenzi tweets.