Noa Essengue
Bulls forward Noa Essengue was benched in Summer League because of a lack of playing with force. Now he’s trying to force his way back into the rotation and change the narrative.
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MILWAUKEE – The message couldn’t have been delivered any clearer.
There was no yelling or screaming even needed from Bulls coach Tiago Splitter.
Just a simple announcement of the second half starting lineup in the July Summer League game. A lineup that no longer included Noa Essengue.
Splitter, who wanted to coach the first two Summer League games to set a tone, explained his decision for the benching afterward, pointing out that the second-year forward just wasn’t playing with any physicality. A no-no in his book.
Message received.
“I think it was a strong message,” Essengue said on Wednesday, looking back to the summer. “I didn’t play at all last year (because of shoulder surgery) so I was hoping I would play a lot this year. And to see my playing time cut in Summer League because they said I don’t put any force or energy on the court, it was something where it just forces you to change it, to put that force out there. Do what you need to force them to put you on the court.”
That’s what he’s been trying to focus on throughout training camp and the preseason games.
His coach has taken notice.
“Honestly, Noa, he’s playing hard. He’s trying to do everything we ask,” Splitter said. “I think there were two situations where we were kind of like, ‘Noa, we’ve got to be better here.’ Other than that, he’s trying to do the right things, crashing the offensive boards, being aggressive on defense, that’s what you ask from a young guy.”
Not an easy ask, especially if it’s not in Essengue’s nature to play a physical brand of basketball. Coming from the German League, the No. 12 overall pick from the 2025 draft was only 18 when he was selected and wasn’t exactly known for his physicality growing up in France.
While it feels like a trait of you either have it or you don’t, Essengue doesn’t see it that way.
“I think it’s something you can learn easily,” Essengue said. “When you go to a new league where most all of the players are older than you, they’re going to naturally play more physical. You have to try and adapt to that, adapt yourself so you can be ready.”
Something he is still yet to prove on a consistent basis. That’s why he’s in a competition for a rotation spot with the likes of Patrick Williams and Leonard Miller.
“I’m a competitor. I love to compete for everything, on the court, off the court, I love competing,” Essengue added. “Yeah, I was a first-round pick, PWill was No. 4 (overall in 2020), Lenny is in the last year of his contract, so we’re all playing for something.”
Nic of time
Splitter was still holding out hope that Zach Collins (quad) and Tobe Awaka (knee) would both be ready for the start of the regular season next week, but time is running out on Nic Claxton and his injured hamstring, especially since he’s missed most of camp.
“You just got to be careful with those hamstrings,” Splitter said. “We know that there is a high chance of doing it again, so we’ve got to be real careful in bringing him back.
“What I know is right before the season we’re going to evaluate him again, see where he’s at, and then give you guys a timeline.”
Final dress rehearsal
The Bulls will close out the preseason on Friday when they host Minnesota, and Splitter planned to continue playing most of the starters – if healthy – to continue getting the roster up to speed with the high tempo style he wants to play.
“We need to get some guys to go up and down, get some game rhythm,” he said.