Noa Essengue Fantasy Stats

Chicago Bulls forward/center Noa Essengue (thumb) won't suit up for Friday's Summer League contest against the Cleveland Cavaliers. Essengue is dealing with right thumb soreness, so the team will hold him out of this exhibition contest. The Bulls are being cautious here, but there's no reason to believe that Essengue won't be ready to go by training camp. Essengue only played in two games for the Bulls before having season-ending shoulder surgery last year. The organization believes that the former No. 12 overall pick can be a key contributor down the road. The expectation is that Essengue will get a fair chance to prove himself on the rebuilding Bulls this upcoming season.

Chicago Bulls forward Noa Essengue (shoulder) will miss the rest of the season after undergoing shoulder surgery. The No. 12 overall pick in the NBA Draft has only appeared in two games for the Bulls this season, playing only six minutes and going 0-for-3 in his very limited NBA action. In four games with the G-League Windy City Bulls, the 18-year-old averaged 23 points, 8.5 rebounds, and 30.8 minutes. Coach Billy Donovan said, "The recommendation was to get it fixed now instead of waiting, because it's something that could continue to be a problem for him." Essengue could still be a part of the future plans for the Bulls, but he won't have any value in re-draft leagues this season.