Las Vegas witnessed a challenging start for rookie Noa Essengue as the Chicago Bulls suffered a significant 116-72 defeat to the Toronto Raptors on July 7, 2023. In his summer league debut, Essengue struggled to make an impact, recording only five points and three rebounds, while also committing seven turnovers without any assists. His performance highlighted the difficulties faced by young athletes transitioning into the NBA.
Essengue’s initial outing was a critical moment not only for him but also for the Bulls’ organization, which included an audience of teammates and executives. Teammates such as Isaac Okoro, Ayo Dosunmu, Kevin Huerter, and Coby White were present to support the newcomer. Bulls executive vice president of basketball operations Artūras Karnišovas, general manager Marc Eversley, and head coach Billy Donovan observed from the sidelines, keen to evaluate how the young player would perform under pressure.
While summer league games are often seen as a platform for rookies to showcase their talent, they can also present steep learning curves. Essengue’s debut was marked by a series of missteps, including two missed free throws and a struggle to handle the ball effectively. The rookie expressed his disappointment after the game, stating, “I’m disappointed. That’s my first game. But I just have to take in. I can just get better right now. That just gives me more confidence.”
Despite the challenges, Essengue displayed moments of potential. He managed to contribute defensively, creating deflections and blocking a shot in the third quarter, which led to a transition opportunity for his team. He also demonstrated offensive capability with a transition dunk and a successful three-pointer early in the game. Nonetheless, the match underscored the areas where the 18-year-old must improve, particularly in adapting to the speed and physicality of NBA play.
As Essengue adjusts to the demands of professional basketball, he faces the reality of competing with fellow rookies. Matas Buzelis, selected as the No. 11 pick in the 2024 draft, recorded 17 points and five rebounds in the same game, showcasing a more established presence on the court. The differences in their physical builds and styles of play were evident, with Buzelis appearing more comfortable and agile in his movements.
Essengue recognized the need for development, stating, “I need to improve everything — my dribble, my shooting skills, my go to the basket. I missed a lot of shots, I did a lot of turnovers.” The Bulls do not expect him to assume a significant role immediately, but his progress will be closely monitored by both management and fans.
Buzelis provided encouragement to Essengue after the loss, reminding him that many successful players, including the likes of Giannis Antetokounmpo, faced similar struggles during their early NBA experiences. “These games come so fast, you’ve got to have a short memory,” Buzelis advised. “I always tell him, ‘You’re great. You’re going to be great. So you’ve got to work on just moving onto the next play.’”
The Bulls are scheduled to play again shortly after, facing the Sacramento Kings, and how Essengue responds to this initial setback will be pivotal in shaping his confidence and performance moving forward. Summer league serves as a crucial environment for growth, and Essengue’s ability to adapt will be essential as he strives to earn a place in the Bulls’ rotation.
