Tiago Splitter couldn’t explain why Noa Essengue seemed to spend a majority of his Summer League minutes knocked down on the hardwood rather than upright and showing promise in Year 2.
It obviously irked the new Bulls head coach, however, evident by the fact that he had no problem benching the 2025 first-round pick.
An early message being sent to the 19-year-old Frenchman?
Absolutely. As Essengue found out the new-look front office and Splitter have no allegiance to the old regime’s No. 12 overall selection. Yes, Splitter acknowledged that Essengue was coming off season-ending shoulder surgery that basically made his rookie campaign a red-shirt year but wasn’t about to get caught up in the excuse game for the forward.
“He’s got to maybe bring a little more force in everything he does,” Splitter said. “That’s something we’re working on.”
What if it’s just not in Essengue’s nature?
“Yeah, we’re going to keep pushing him,” Splitter replied.
To Essengue’s credit he did seem to hear the message, coming out of Las Vegas with an understanding that he needs to be less emotional and more tenacious. According to a source, two traits that irked the new staff.
“I am going to take a lot of contact,” Essengue told reporters. “So keep playing, know it’s gonna be like that in the NBA. You are a rookie and rookies never are going to get a call. So you try to keep playing until maybe one day you do get a call.
“I feel better, honestly, from the first game. (Splitter) told me he wants more energy offensively and told me to be more of a leader, talk more on defense.”
Boxes that Essengue never really checked. That’s why he will enter training camp on the outside looking in when it comes to the rotation and what the new-look roster will look like.
THE STARTERS:
Josh Giddey – For some odd reason it’s been open season on Giddey throughout the social media circuit this summer. What’s being overlooked is Giddey has the positional size that vice president of basketball operations Bryson Graham covets and would be a great fit for a lob game that Matas Buzelis, Caleb Wilson and Nic Claxton bring.
Norman Powell – The veteran was a bucket last season, becoming a first-time All-Star, and will be one of the true floor spacers in the starting lineup, shooting 40-plus% three of the last five seasons.
Caleb Wilson – The rookie showed in Las Vegas that he actually has the potential to play more like a three than a four, but either way he will be interchangeable with Matas Buzelis in the starting frontcourt. If he can be a threat from outside, however, that changes what this Bulls starting offense will look like instantly.
Matas Buzelis – It’s Year 3 for Buzelis as he continues – in his own words – hunting down being great. On paper, Buzelis and Wilson have a chance to be two of the brightest frontcourt stars in the Eastern Conference for the next five years.
Nic Claxton – Set screens, rim-run and be a defensive force around the rim. The job description for Claxton is a simple one and if his back holds up he should be able to fill it perfectly.
THE BENCH:
Tre Jones – The consummate pros pro, Jones will anchor the second unit as the ultimate floor general. Splitter will love the steadiness in which he plays.
Isaac Okoro – It’s easy to forget what Okoro brought to the Bulls last season, usually assigned the task of trying to slow down the opposing team’s best scorer. Now he will get a chance to do that for the second unit, becoming a leading trade candidate because of his expiring contract.
Leonard Miller – Throw the film on the last six weeks of the season and it’s clear that Miller outplayed Patrick Williams in almost every category. Training camp will be an interesting battle between the two.
Jalen Smith – The veteran had a great season last year, spacing the floor and playing like a true stretch-four.
Zach Collins – The Bulls brought Collins back for a reason and that’s because of his physicality in the paint. Another player Splitter will really like off the bench as long as Collins is healthy.
OUTSIDE LOOKING IN:
Rob Dillingham – There were some definite moments from Dillingham late last season and the fact that he’s been working out with Powell this summer says a lot about his dedication to improving.
Dailyn Swain – The rookie will need a lot of minutes in practice and the preseason to crack the rotation, so stay tuned on that front.
Patrick Williams – Yes, it is a new regime, but the film doesn’t lie. Williams needs to change some minds and make an impression right away rather than just float along.
Noa Essengue – His best basketball is in front of him, but that might be in the G League to start the season.