Bulls rookie Noa Essengue explains why he'll wear No. 24 in the NBA

After wearing No. 12 for much of his basketball career, rookie Noa Essengue will have a new jersey number when he debuts next season with the Chicago Bulls.

Essengue donned No. 12 while playing with ratiopharm Ulm last season in the German League. He also had that number while representing France on the international level, most recently in the 2024 FIBA U18 EuroBasket Championship.

With veteran Zach Collins currently occupying No. 12, Essengue opted to double that number and wear No. 24 with the Bulls. He is also paying homage to Hall of Famer Kobe Bryant, who wore it over the second half of his career with the Los Angeles Lakers.

Essengue was the 12th pick after averaging 10.7 points, five rebounds and 1.2 assists on 52.1% shooting from the field in 60 games last season. He has registered seven 20-point games, including a 22-point, 14-rebound performance on June 1.

The Frenchman debuted with the Bulls in the NBA Summer League, averaging 12.7 points, 5.3 rebounds and 1.3 steals on 41.9% shooting from the field in three appearances. He finished off his stay with a 21-point performance on July 14.

Essengue was highly touted as a prospect this year because of his size, rebounding and defensive versatility. The team is excited about his addition and is eager to watch him take the court next season.

Note: Throughout August, Rookie Wire is looking at every first-round pick and why each player selected their respective jersey number as they make the jump to the NBA.

This article originally appeared on Rookie Wire: Bulls news: Noa Essengue explains why he’ll wear No. 24 in NBA

Bulls rookie Noa Essengue explains why he’ll wear No. 24 in the NBA

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