Bulls Rookie Noa Essengue Assigned to Windy City Bulls for Further Development

Kevin Lu

Nov 1, 2025, 00:34

Kevin Lu

Nov 1, 2025, 00:34

Updated at: Nov 1, 2025, 00:35

The Chicago Bulls confirmed that rookie forward Noa Essengue will join their NBA G League affiliate, the Windy City Bulls, for team-specific training and development, head coach Billy Donovan said ahead of the Bulls' NBA Cup game vs. the New York Knicks on Friday.

After scoring just 3.8 points in five preseason games earlier in October, the No. 12 overall pick in the 2025 draft from France has yet to make his NBA debut and will spend the early portion of the season sharpening his game in the G-League.

Essengue’s assignment to the Windy City will be part of the team's development plan. While he remains on the Bulls’ roster, he will benefit from consistent minutes in a lower-pressure environment. His talent and potential are evident—with strong showings overseas and glimpses of promise in Summer League.

However, Essengue’s rookie showcase also revealed gaps. In Summer League, he averaged 12.7 points, 5.3 boards and 1.3 blocks in three games, finishing with a field goal percentage of 41.9% and 26.7% from three-point range. The French International admitted he “needs to improve everything” after a mediocre performance in Las Vegas.

Given that context, the decision to begin the year in the G-League will allow him to build strength and refine skills, aiming to become more prepared for the NBA battles.

For the Bulls, with a crowded wing-forward rotation and several players ahead of him on the depth chart, this move aligns with long-term plans. The message to fans is clear: Essengue is part of the future, not the present, and this early developmental path may pay dividends down the line.

Bulls Rookie Noa Essengue Assigned to Windy City Bulls for Further Development