Noah Esseng hasn’t had much success in the NBA yet, but Bykov still believe he can develop into a productive player Julia Poe of The Chicago Tribune writes in history only for subscribers. After being selected 12th overall in the 2025 draft, Esseng 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 a night in six games, and while the results have been mixed, Coach Tiago Splitter views him as a potential high-level quarterback.
“He’s one of the best sliders out there, if there was a word for it.” said Splitter. “He can take guys to the full court. His footwork is really elite. He still makes mistakes. He’s 19 years old learning to play and compete at the highest level. I think he can be a great player in this league one day.”
Chicago picked up its own third course option at Essengue last month, another sign that he remains in the team’s long-term plans. Poe notes that the Bulls’ rebuilding process creates a positive environment for Essenge, who will 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 be playing for something big in a few years. We’re doing the right thing.”
There’s more from Chicago:
- The Bulls’ offseason changes helped Matas Bouzelis‘ slow start Joel Lorenzi of The Athletic states in the mailbag column. Recruit Caleb Wilson was given a significant role in the crime, while Norman Powell it’s an immersive shooter and Jalen Smithwho started the first seven games at center because of Nick Claxtondue to injury, is making 5.1 3-pointers a night. This led to fewer opportunities for Bouzelis, who often plays from the corner. Lorenzi notes that Bouzelis is not able to act as a creator and is being asked to look at the offense from different places than he is used to.
- So far, the starting line-up has been awkward, but Splitter is in no rush to make changes, Lorenzi adds. He notes that since Splitter is a rookie on the team, adjusting the starting five so early in the season would be a panic. “I think it’s a feeling” Splitter said when asked when he would be comfortable changing that. “I don’t think I have a number for it. I think it’s more of a feel and I 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 is dealing with a strained left hamstring, will be sidelined for tonight’s game in New York, but he has not suffered any setbacks in his recovery, Lorenzi tweets.
