Chicago Bulls New Fast Break Weapon

The Bulls just added serious speed and upside to the roster by selecting Noa Essengue with the 12th pick in the 2025 NBA Draft.

The 18-year-old French forward, standing 6’10" with a 7’1” wingspan, brings length, athleticism, and raw energy. “I can do pretty much everything,” Essengue said after being drafted. “But my biggest strength is the open court game dunks, layups, all that stuff.”

Sound familiar?

His name might rhyme with Joakim Noah, and just like Noah, he’ll be coached by Billy Donovan with hopes of growing into a defensive and transition nightmare for opponents.

GM Marc Eversley called Essengue a “skilled power forward” and said the Bulls are leaning into their youth movement. “We’re all about bringing in dynamic, athletic players who can play our style of play.”

Essengue joins Matas Buzelis and Josh Giddey to form a new-look Bulls core which is tall, fast, and built for the modern NBA.

He may not be a polished shooter (yet), but his upside and fit with Chicago’s high-octane vision are hard to ignore.

Per NBA.com