The Chicago Bulls selected Noa Essengue with their 12th overall selection in the 2025 NBA Draft. It came as a slight surprise, as many expected the Bulls to take a center, as Nikola Vucevic is aging, they don't have a great backup option, and Maryland center Derik Queen was still on the board.

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.

Bulls first-round draft pick Noa Essengue shakes hands with NBA Commissioner Adam Silver after being selected 12th overall during the first round of the 2025 NBA Draft at Barclays Center in Brooklyn, New York, on June 25, 2025. When you give now, you're automatically entered to win two premium seats to the Crosstown Showdown on July 26. See rules