2025 NBA Draft Scouting Report for Chicago Bulls No. 12 Pick Noa Essengue

The Chicago Bulls have selected Noa Essengue with the No. 12 pick in the 2025 NBA draft.

Essengue's physical tools stand out, as he uses his length and athleticism to finish above the rim and contest plays defensively. Teams should be able to deploy him across multiple positions on both ends.

The 18-year-old measured 6'10" without shoes at the combine, the 13th-tallest among participants and tied for No. 5 among non-centers with Alabama's Grant Wilson.

His 7'1" wingspan ranked No. 15 overall and also fifth among non-centers.

Essengue has flashed real growth with his shot, touch, passing and ball-handling, and the rate of improvement is promising.

As the draft’s second-youngest player, Essengue has the long-term potential to develop into a versatile scorer from on and off the ball. Given his age and measurables, he is an intriguing mystery-box prospect who could become a system-flexible contributor if given time to develop.

Still, he remains raw, particularly as a shooter and self-creator. He hasn’t shown the ability to pull up or create reliably in the half court, and stronger bigs have exploited his lack of physicality on the interior.

Essengue is ranked No. 4 on B/R NBA draft expert Jonathan Wasserman's 2025 Prospect Big Board.

Essential Facts and Stats

Previous Team: Ratiopharm Ulm (Germany) | Position: PF | Height: 6'10" | Weight: 198 lbs | Age: 18 | Wingspan: 7'1" | PPG: 12.4 | RPG: 5.3 | APG: 1.1 | BPG: 0.6 | SPG: 1.4 | FG%: 56% | 3PT%: 29.4%

Realistic Pro Comparison: Pascal Siakam

Nathaniel S. Butler/NBAE via Getty Images

Essengue channels Siakam's power forward size, scoring versatility and motor.

The Pacers star was more of an energizer early in his career, and that will be the case with Essengue. But the 18-year-old has flashed shooting range and improvisation inside the arc that could be signs of scoring growth.

Siakam, now 31, has earned three separate All-Star bids, although none in back-to-back seasons. Whether Essengue reaches All-Star status could hinge upon his improving offensive skill set continuing to grow.

Strengths

Harry Langer/DeFodi Images via Getty Images

Physical Tools/Athleticism: Essengue uses every inch of his height and length to finish plays and make them on defense. NBA teams should be able to play him at multiple positions at both ends.

Improving Offensive Skill: He has flashed improvement with his shot, touch, passing and ability to use his dribble. That rate of growth could turn Essengue into a versatile scorer from on and off the ball.

Weaknesses

Harry Langer/DeFodi Images via Getty Images

Shooting: Essengue still isn't a reliable shooter. He's also shown no ability to step into jump shots off the dribble.

Creation: It's difficult to imagine an NBA team being able to give the ball to Essengue to make a play on his own against a set defense. He's still mostly a play-finisher and straight-line driver from off the ball. He remains very raw offensively.

Interior Defense: Essengue lacks strength for a big, as opponents have been able to bully him at times inside the paint. He could be vulnerable defending bigs who can move him backward inside the arc.