Chicago Bulls rookie provides positive update about injury recovery

When the Chicago Bulls selected Noa Essengue with the 12th overall pick in the 2025 NBA Draft, they were hoping for a young, promising talent to develop while the team figures out what they want to do in the bigger picture.

But, it didn’t necessarily work out the way early on, whether it was the 4.2 points per game he averaged across the five preseason games he played in or the overall lack of playing time in his rookie campaign.

But looking at Essengue's numbers from his four games in the G League, it’s clear that there was a reason he was taken with the 12th pick. During his time with the Windy City Bulls, the Frenchman averaged 23 points and 8.2 rebounds per game.

What’s the latest on Noa Essengue’s recovery?

All of this progress would come to a screeching halt in early December, when Essengue had his season cut short due to shoulder surgery, bringing an end to his first year in the NBA.

Given that it’s been some time since the 19-year-old had his procedure, it’s safe to say that he’s been doing his best to get back onto the court. This was something he touched on with French sporting outlet L’Équipe, explaining that he aims to be back training with the team by the end of the season.

“My surgery went very well. I was able to touch the ball again three weeks ago; I’m ahead of schedule,” Essengue told the French outlet. “I’m going to stay in Chicago for the next few weeks. The goal is to be able to resume team training by the end of April.”

After being eliminated from playoff contention for a fourth consecutive season, the Bulls face an uncertain future. But, Essengue's recovery and continued development will be a storyline to follow over the offseason. 

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