As the Chicago Bulls face an extended losing streak, incremental progress is taking place behind the scenes, particularly regarding Noa Essengue’s rehab progress. The rookie forward has begun light basketball activities at the Advocate Center, marking a hopeful sign as the team prepares to end their 11-game losing slide this Sunday.
Essengue, who has been sidelined since early December due to a shoulder injury that required surgery, was recently spotted without any sling or support gear, performing dribbling drills alongside the player personnel staff. Although he remains out for the rest of the season, his gradual engagement with a basketball signals positive steps forward in his recovery process.
The Impact of Essengue’s Injury on a Developing Bulls Roster
The 19-year-old French rookie, selected 12th overall in the 2025 NBA Draft, has appeared in only two NBA games this season, totaling six minutes as he spent the majority of his time with the team’s G League affiliate. Losing Essengue has been a major setback for the Bulls, especially considering the team’s current rebuilding phase where his potential minutes could have contributed significantly.
As a project piece with raw but promising talent, Essengue’s injury stunted his development at a crucial early stage of his career. The fact that he’s now engaging in controlled basketball drills raises hope that he could take part in the upcoming Summer League this July, offering an opportunity to accelerate his growth moving forward.
Matas Buzelis Emerging as a Leading Offensive Threat
Meanwhile, Matas Buzelis is stepping up to command a larger role within the Bulls’ offense. Since the franchise’s trade deadline, the 21-year-old former lottery pick has taken on increasing responsibility and recently delivered a career-best showing with 32 points and seven rebounds against the Charlotte Hornets.
Buzelis was highly efficient that game, converting 13 of 19 shots, demonstrating the scoring versatility that cemented his status as a high-upside prospect. His ability to shoot stepback jumpers and finish at the rim using his 6-foot-10 frame and vertical athleticism has made him a difficult matchup for opponents.
Coach Billy Donovan’s Perspective on Buzelis’ Growth
Coach Billy Donovan has acknowledged Buzelis’ expanding role and expressed confidence in the young player’s development. Donovan highlighted the strides Buzelis has made in understanding winning fundamentals and taking on greater responsibility:
“I think he’s learning and understanding what are the things that go into winning and what he has to be responsible for. I feel like there has been big growth in that area from a year ago … I think his evolution as a player from where he was a year ago to where he is now, he’s obviously done a lot more with the basketball in his hands than he did previously. So I think he’s going to have a great base to work with. I think he can continue to evolve and get better,”
Donovan also emphasized the necessity for Buzelis to commit fully on defense, which remains a key aspect of his overall impact. Known for his shot-blocking instincts and mobility, Buzelis has the potential to develop into a switchable, lockdown defender, increasing his value on both ends of the court.
Addressing the challenges of physicality and defensive discipline, Donovan stated:
“He’s got to be a two-way player. All these guys have to be two-way players. They have got to play both sides of the floor. I think he’s been better using his length. His shot-blocking has been way up this year from where it was a year ago. I do think there are times where physically he just needs some strength to hold up when he’s gone up against bigger or stronger guys. He’s been better off-ball and in screening actions quite honestly, getting through screens and over screens. Is he finished and polished? No, I think he can get better. But he has to play both ends of the floor, and I think he’s understanding how hard it is to do that physically,”
Patrick Williams’ Rehabilitation and Role in Team Leadership
While Patrick Williams did not participate in Saturday’s on-court practice, he remained active with cycling and conditioning exercises as he recovers from a quad strain. Williams suffered the injury during a jump stop against the Hornets, with symptoms gradually worsening throughout that game. Currently, there is no projected timeline for his return, which represents a significant challenge for this young and undersized Bulls roster.
At 24 years old, Williams offers much-needed physicality and experience within head coach Billy Donovan’s system, making his absence felt. Off the court, Williams is embracing a heightened leadership role despite his traditionally reserved nature, recognizing the need to be more vocal in this transitional period for the team.
Reflecting on the evolving team dynamics and his growing responsibilities, Williams shared:
“I’ve kind of been here to kind of see the progression of it all. I looked in the locker room the other day, and I think it was one guy who was here with Zach and DeMar? Or nobody was here with Zach and DeMar. Josh was here with Zach,”
He laughed at the lone remaining connection from the previous roster before continuing:
“The kind of things that get passed down from team-to-team, they have no idea about. In that respect, you definitely have to kind of step up vocally, and the coaching staff has definitely challenged me with that. And I voiced to them that I want that challenge. [It’s] something to kind of lean into and grow into. I’ve never been much of a vocal leader. I kind of just do what I do and try to inspire guys that way. But definitely trying to step up more vocally is something new this year.”
Looking Ahead: The Importance of Player Development and Team Growth
Patrick Williams’ career has yet to meet the high expectations set by his Top 4 draft selection, but the current phase represents a critical opportunity for growth. In a team undergoing substantial changes, the chance to evolve both on and off the court could prolong his contribution to the Bulls and the NBA overall.
Similarly, progress in Noa Essengue’s rehab not only offers hope for his return but also symbolizes the potential for the Bulls’ long-term rebuilding efforts. Watching Buzelis develop into a multifaceted two-way player will be vital for Chicago’s aspirations as they attempt to emerge from a difficult season.
With the team facing ongoing challenges, these individual advancements hint at a foundation worth building upon, as the Bulls seek to reverse their fortunes and compete more consistently in the seasons to come.
Rookie Noa Essenuge is out of a sling and was doing some very light work after practice today.
To be clear, he remains out for the season, but good to see him back with a ball in his hand and progressing. pic.twitter.com/JiGnxUZipj
— Elias Schuster (@Schuster_Elias) February 28, 2026
