2025 NBA Draft: The Chicago Bulls Select Noa Essengue with the 12th Overall Pick

For a brief moment, hope surged on X (formerly known as Twitter) as Duke center Khaman Maluach nearly fell to the Bulls, but the Phoenix Suns used their 10th overall pick to select him. Reality set in when the Bulls were next in line after the Portland Trail Blazers traded their 11th overall pick to the Memphis Grizzlies, who drafted Cedric Coward. Some fans expected Illinois guard Kasparas Jakucionis to be the pick, while others hoped for the addition of the dynamic Maryland big man Derek Queen. Ultimately, Arturas Karnisovas focused on French forward Noa Essengue. Essengue fits Karnisovas’s draft criteria, as he is a lanky forward who has shown potential as an exceptional two-way player.

After shaking Silver's hand, Essengue met with the Chicago Bulls media to answer a few questions. CHSN insider K.C. Johnson kicked off the introduction by asking about the pre-draft process with the Bulls. Essengue mentioned that he had multiple conversations with the organization during his season. "The Bigs" Insider Drew Stevens followed up by asking about Essengue’s familiarity with the Chicago Bulls. The French native cited Michael Jordan and the 90s, and later mentioned Joakim Noah as his connection to the team. The remaining questions focused on how Essengue’s style of play would translate to the NBA. He emphasized his defensive skills and his ambition to become a well-rounded player.

General Manager Marc Eversley addressed the media  behind the Essengue selection. Eversley began the press conference by saying that he would not comment on a Billy Donovan contract extension, then discussed the process behind choosing Essengue. He stated the Bulls were in contact with three to four other teams about potentially moving up or down in the draft, but ultimately decided to stay at twelve, believing a good player would still be available. 

He added that the Bulls see Essengue as a future two-way player who can play in transition and get to the free-throw line. Eversley also mentioned that the Bulls might trade their second-round pick or choose a draft-and-stash player.