Bulls Rookie Essengue to Miss Season After Shoulder Surgery

Chicago Bulls rookie forward Noa Essengue will undergo surgery on his left shoulder and miss the rest of the season, head coach Billy Donovan announced Wednesday night before the team's game against the Brooklyn Nets.

The 18-year-old Frenchman, selected 12th overall in the June 2025 NBA Draft, sustained the injury during a rebound attempt in a G League game with the Windy City Bulls against the Cleveland Charge on November 28. Initially diagnosed as a shoulder contusion, further evaluation revealed looseness and instability in the joint that required surgical repair to prevent recurring issues. Donovan said the decision, made in consultation with team medical staff and Essengue's representatives, came earlier that day.

"I think the recommendation was to get it fixed now instead of waiting, because it's something that could continue to be a problem for him," Donovan said. He added that Essengue could have returned for limited play but risked repeated sidelining, potentially every week or so. The procedure is scheduled for the near future, with recovery expected to take six to seven months and full return anticipated by next season. For the first six weeks after surgery, Essengue...