Bulls rookie Noa Essengue to undergo season-ending shoulder surgery

Chicago Bulls rookie forward Noa Essengue will miss the remainder of the season due to a left shoulder injury, head coach Billy Donovan said on Wednesday.

Essengue is expected to undergo surgery in the "near future" to repair the injury, a determination made in concert with the team medical staff and his representation. Donovan said the decision to proceed with the surgery was made on Wednesday.

The involved parties felt it was best to have the surgery now to allow for a full recovery for next season, with an expected rehabilitation time of 6-7 months. He is expected to make a full recovery.

Essengue was the 12th pick in the 2025 NBA draft after averaging 10.7 points, five rebounds and 1.2 assists on 52.1% shooting from the field with ratiopharm Ulm in the German League. He registered seven 20-point games, including a 22-point, 14-rebound performance on June 1.

The Frenchman was out of the rotation to begin the season, totaling only six minutes across two appearances with Chicago. Donovan has used a 9-10 man rotation for much of the early going, leaving Essengue and others out of the fold.

Essengue played four games in the G League with Windy City, averaging 23 points, 8.5 rebounds, 2.3 assists and one steal on 50.8% shooting from the field. He registered three 20-point games, including a 27-point, 10-rebound effort on Nov. 26.

This article originally appeared on Rookie Wire: Bulls news: Noa Essengue to undergo season-ending shoulder surgery