Noa Essengue cleared for non-contact basketball activities

Noa Essengue of the Chicago Bulls has been cleared for non-contact basketball activities and is now weighing the possibility of taking part in Summer League, according to K.C. Johnson of Chicago Sports Network (Twitter link).

Essengue, who was selected with the 12th pick in last year’s draft, saw very limited action during his rookie season. He appeared in just two games before undergoing shoulder surgery that ultimately ended his season early.

Despite the difficult circumstances, Essengue has continued to focus on recovery and maintaining the right mindset as he works his way back.

“It’s been a tough year,” he said. “But that’s a goal in life, to always stay positive. It doesn’t matter what happens, whether you’re playing good or bad, you have an injury or are healthy, you stay positive and keep working. That’s what I’ve done.”

ICYMI: The Bulls aren’t winning very often, but they still aren’t tanking and that isn’t likely to change. That + more from Chicago. https://t.co/6Qpol64FU5

— Hoops Rumors (@HoopsRumors) March 14, 2026