Noah Essengue was called upon by Billy Donovan to step up his game

The first preseason in Noah Essengue it was not easy in the NBA. The young Frenchman has really struggled to find his rhythm, as evidenced by his modest stat line: 3.8 points on average on 33% shooting, including a paltry 11% from 3-point range, in 14 minutes per game.

Offensive struggles that reflect a fairly simple observation: At 18, with a size still too small for the NBA (2m03 for 91kg), the Orleans native still has a few levels to master. This was confirmed by his coach Billy Donovanlucid about the work that remains to be done.

“He needs to put a lot of time into his body and learn to play a little closer to the ground because he still lacks strength. When he breaks, the contact balances him out. I think that’s all part of his development. But in terms of game intelligence, he’s very good.” so the coach indicates.

With his current physical deficiencies, it will be difficult for Noah Esenge to find a place in the Bulls’ rotation. His playing time is therefore likely to be very limited at the start of the season.

Expected G-League moves

The G-League seems like an almost inevitable step. With the Windy City Bulls, he was not only able to play a rougher game, but also improve his reading of the game and his offensive efficiency.

“When he receives the ball, he is not immediately ready to continue” Donovan explains. “This is an area we’ve worked on a lot. Defensively, he’s got length and good instincts, but he’s got to learn how to get through screens. Those are new things for him.”

At only 18, nothing alarming. These first months serve primarily as a learning experience, and the Bulls’ staff maintains confidence. Billy Donovan is hoping this move to the G-League will allow him to strengthen his game and expand his range to earn some minutes during the season.

In early October, coach of the Bulls quoted Matas Buzelis as an example of a young player who took the time to find his rhythm. It remains to be seen whether Noah Esenge will be able to follow the same trajectory.