Noa Essengue STRUGGLES in Chicago Bulls Summer League debut | CHGO Bulls Podcast

The CHGO Bulls crew are LIVE from Las Vegas, breaking down the Chicago Bulls 109-92 loss to the Sacramento Kings in NBA Summer League action. It was a decent response after a 44-point drubbing in the opener, especially from Noa Essengue. The Bulls 12th overall pick was one rebound shy of a double-double at halftime, finishing with 12 points and 10 rebounds before leaving with a quad contusion. Plus, Arturas Karnisovas gave an in-game interview to the broadcast team, mapping his vision for the Bulls future. Is the VP of basketball operations focused on the right things? Peck, Big Dave, Will Gottlieb, and Chicago Tribune reporter Julia Poe also touch on the highlight reel passing from Yuki Kawamura and some non-Bulls standouts so far in Vegas.

The CHGO Bulls crew is LIVE from Las Vegas, breaking down the Chicago Bulls 116-72 loss to the Toronto Raptors. Noa Essengue, the Bulls 12th overall pick in the 2025 NBA Draft, struggled in his debut. He scored just five points while committing seven turnovers. Peck, Big Dave and Will Gottlieb discuss just how “raw” of a talent Essengue is. Plus, Matas Buzelis didn’t have the most efficient night, but did attack aggressively with a perfect 7-7 mark at the free throw line. The guys also give first impressions of second round pick Lachlan Olbrich, and look ahead to the matchup with the Sacramento Kings.

The CHGO Bulls crew get you ready for NBA Summer League action with everything you need to know about the Chicago Bulls roster, plus matchups with each opponent on their schedule! Who will lead the charge for the Bulls, especially after Matas Buzelis likely rests after a one-and-done campaign? What kind of first impression will 12th overall pick Noa Essengue make? Which other teams and players will create the most buzz? Peck, Big Dave and Will Gottlieb also react to Chris Herring’s Eastern Conference tiers, and the Bulls predictable placement.

On this episode, Will, Matt and Big Dave discuss the new trade rumors from Anthony Irwin of Clutch Points that has the Lakers making calls to the Bulls to inquire about the availability of Ayo Dosunmu. Should the Bulls be listening to the Lakers offers for the 4-year vet? Also, with Summer League just around the corner, we dive into the Bulls 2nd round pick Lachlan Olbrich. What should fans expect from the 21 year old Aussie? How is he adapting to the city and the team? Plus, Vegas has the Bulls over/under win total at 32.5. Is that win total too high or too low for the upcoming season?

The CHGO Bulls crew discuss the ongoing freeze-out of the NBA’s key restricted free agents, including Chicago Bulls guard Josh Giddey. Bobby Marks of ESPN said that Giddey and the Bulls are “the Gulf of Mexico apart” in their negotiations. When will Bulls fans see a resolution, and is the qualifying offer still in play? Plus, there’s new details on the Tre Jones contract, which became official over the weekend. Peck, Big Dave and Will Gottlieb also react to Bill Simmons saying the Bulls have the worst 5-year outlook of any team in the Eastern Conference.

The CHGO Bulls crew review a variety of draft grades for the Chicago Bulls selecting Noa Essengue with the 12th overall pick in the 2025 NBA Draft. Most NBA media outlets gave them high marks, As and Bs, while also noting the “long-term project” element of the Essengue pick. But many believe if he develops to his full potential, the Bulls may have found a Pascal Siakam level player. Peck, Big Dave and Will Gottlieb also discuss Lachlan Olbrich’s NBL teammate Will ‘Davo’ Hickey joining the Bulls Summer League roster. Plus, the guys open an Arena Club slab pack in the new segment “Cards from the Vault”!

The CHGO Bulls crew dive into the latest NBA Free Agency news, including updates on Chicago Bulls restricted free agent Josh Giddey and the Bulls’ continued connection to Jonathan Kuminga. Brian Windhorst stated that according to his sources, there won’t be a Giddey deal done “anytime soon.” What should Bulls fans make of this? And are the Bulls actually still in play for a Kuminga sign-and-trade with the Warriors? Peck, Big Dave and Will Gottlieb also talk to Bob Schmidt of the Fear the ‘Fro Podcast to get his take on trade acquisition Isaac Okoro. Plus, Bulls draft grades!

The CHGO Bulls crew are LIVE on Day 2 of NBA Free Agency, breaking down the latest deals and their potential impact on Chicago Bulls moves. What have the signings and trades of several centers, including Myles Turner, done to the trade market for Nikola Vucevic? Are the Bulls now in total control of their negotiations with restricted free agent Josh Giddey? And are they still listening to offers for Coby White or Ayo Dosunmu? Peck, Big Dave and Will Gottlieb also chat with French National Basketball coach Romain Leroy, who has had an up-close look at the early development of the Bulls #12 pick Noa Essengue.

The CHGO Bulls crew are LIVE for the first hour of the NBA’s 2025 free agency window opening. Will we quickly see the Chicago Bulls and Josh Giddey come to terms on a new contract? Meanwhile, trade rumors are flying around Ayo Dosunmu and Coby White. Could one of them be moved, and is Tre Jones a target to re-sign as he likely fields many suitors as an unrestricted free agent? Plus, what would it take for the Bulls to pull off a sign-and-trade deal to acquire Jonathan Kuminga from the Golden State Warriors?

BREAKING NEWS! The Chicago Bulls have sent Lonzo Ball to the Cleveland Cavaliers in exchange for Isaac Okoro. The CHGO Bulls crew reacts live to this seismic trade, dissecting what it means for Lonzo's future, the Bulls' roster construction, and whether adding Okoro is the right move for Chicago. Is this a shrewd gamble or a massive mistake? Tune in for instant analysis from Matt Peck, Big Dave Watson, and Will Gottlieb.