Noa Essengue’s time in Chicago might be shorter than anyone expected. The second-year forward faces a make-or-break moment after looking lost in Las Vegas. His shaky play has already sparked serious doubts about his long-term value to the team.
A Rough Start in Vegas
Essengue’s recent outings were far from promising. He started on the bench for the third game against the Wizards after sitting out the second half of the Utah Jazz matchup. Head coach Tiago Splitter did not mince words about the decision. He stated he “Just wanted more from him” regarding the young forward’s effort. This public critique from the bench is a bad sign for a player trying to secure his roster spot.
The Bulls have a strict deadline looming for his contract. The team must decide by October 31, 2026, whether to pick up his third-year option worth $5.9 million. If they decline, Essengue hits unrestricted free agency in the summer of 2027. With the front office prioritizing cap flexibility, a risky $5.9 million bet on an unproven player seems unlikely. The new regime prefers two-year deals with team options, not long-term risks on raw prospects.
The Shoulder Worry
The on-court struggles are compounded by health concerns. Essengue missed almost his entire rookie season due to a shoulder injury. He recently admitted he still has to “learn how to play again” as he recovers. This blunt statement came via Joel Lorenzi of The Athletic. It suggests his body is ready, but his basketball brain might still be catching up.
He claims to be at 98 percent health, but the mental hurdle remains. The Bulls drafted him as a project because of his size and length. He stands at 6-foot-11 with a massive wingspan. Yet, if he cannot translate that physical talent into steady defense, the project fails. He gets easily bumped off assignments and screened out of coverages. These are fundamental flaws that take years to fix, not months.
The Verdict Is In
The front office is not in the business of handing out guaranteed money like wet napkins. The days of Arturas Karnisovas giving out player options are over. Executive vice president Bryson Graham wants control. If Essengue cannot show he is stronger and ready to contribute, the team will likely cut bait. The risk of paying him $5.9 million for a player who might not be ready is too high.
Bulls fans should brace for a tough decision this October. The window to prove himself is closing fast. Can he turn his summer around before the deadline hits? The answer will define his entire career trajectory.
