Chicago Bulls Draft Noa Essengue with 12th Pick

Chicago, the Bulls just made a statement with the No. 12 pick in the 2025 NBA Draft — and it wasn’t a safe one.

They drafted Noa Essengue, a 6’9” forward from France with a 7-foot wingspan and a bag full of defensive potential. A name you may not know now, but trust me — this kid is about to be on every scout’s radar. Born in Cameroon, raised in France, seasoned in Germany. And now? He’s about to call the United Center home.

Who is Noa Essengue?

Essengue spent last season with Ratiopharm Ulm in Germany, where he quietly became one of Europe’s most intriguing young prospects. Just 18 years old — turning 19 this December — and already showing glimpses of a two-way nightmare for opposing teams.

He averaged 12.4 points, 5.3 rebounds, and 1.4 steals in EuroCup play, but it wasn’t the numbers that got Chicago’s front office to bite — it was the tools. The length. The bounce. The defensive instincts. The flashes of face-up offense.

This isn’t a finished product. This is a raw athlete with long-term potential to develop into a Jerami Grant-type with a higher ceiling.

Why This Pick?

Simple — Chicago is betting on development, not desperation.

The front office made it clear during pre-draft interviews: they were scouting long wings who can switch on defense and eventually space the floor. Noa fits that mold. He isn’t the guy to save the franchise tomorrow, but he might be the one we look back at in 3 years and say, “That’s when it turned around.”

Word around the league is that the Bulls were open to trade options, even fielding offers, but chose to stay put and go with their gut. Noa wasn’t just a reach — he was their guy.

Bulls Fans: Bullish or Nervous?

Let’s keep it real.

Some fans are already talking about another “project player,” while others see this as a steal with international flare. The truth is likely somewhere in between.

Nia’s got the frame, the raw game, and the attitude. What he needs now is minutes, coaching, and patience. His Summer League play will be a must-watch — that’s where we’ll get our first real glimpse.

Bottom Line

The Bulls didn’t play it safe — they went international, they went young, and they went big on upside. That tells me this front office isn’t just trying to patch holes. They’re trying to build a new foundation.

Noa Essengue might not start Day 1. He might not even get heavy minutes this season. But if you believe in growth, skill development, and long-term value — this pick makes perfect sense.

Welcome to Chicago, Noa.

Let’s see what you’re made of.

— GerryPthaDJ Reporting from the Draft Floor… Sort of