Home / Sports / Bulls Rookie Essengue Out for Season with Shoulder Surgery
Bulls Rookie Essengue Out for Season with Shoulder Surgery
4 Dec
Summary
- Rookie Noa Essengue will miss the remainder of the season due to shoulder surgery.
- The surgery is scheduled to address shoulder looseness and instability.
- Essengue's recovery is expected to take six to seven months.
Chicago Bulls rookie Noa Essengue will require season-ending surgery for his left shoulder. Coach Billy Donovan announced the decision pregame on Wednesday, stating the procedure is needed to address looseness and instability in the joint. Essengue sustained the injury during a game with the Windy City Bulls on November 28 when his arm "jerked" on a rebound attempt.
The surgery, which will take place in the near future, is expected to sideline Essengue for approximately six to seven months. Donovan explained that while Essengue might have been able to play in limited stretches, the risk of re-injury and a cycle of brief returns made a definitive procedure the best course of action. The team emphasized the importance of the surgery for his long-term health and development.
This news represents a significant setback for the 18-year-old, who was the Bulls' 12th overall pick in the June NBA Draft. Essengue had played just six total minutes in two appearances for the Bulls this season. The injury will prevent him from participating in crucial strength training and potential game opportunities as the Bulls navigate through their own injury struggles.
