Introduction to the Bulls’ Noa Essengue Pick
Let’s hear a round of applause for Bulls first-round draft pick Noa Essengue. Hello? Anybody? In this week’s “Polling Place,” your home for Sun-Times sports polls on the social platform X, we wanted your take on the selection of the 18-year-old Frenchman.
Initial Reactions to the Pick
“I think the Bulls have been hitting lately on their picks,” @2Gen1Tweet commented. “I’m encouraged.” “Bad pick,” @JimmyGoodTimes wrote. “He’s too young and inexperienced to make an impact.” Most voters, though, simply want to wait and see on this guy, which isn’t very exciting.
Concerns About the Cubs
Next, we asked if concerns are rising about the Cubs, whose June has been so-so. “Anybody with a brain knew this wasn’t a 100-win roster,” claimed @27dannych, unconcerned. “Some regression to the mean was likely.”
Predicting Playoff Success
Last: Who will win a playoff series first among the Blackhawks, Bulls, Sky and White Sox? “How about none?” cracked wisenheimer @Aetnaboy3. But that’s not how this works!
The Polls
On to the polls:
Poll No. 1: What’s your initial take on the Bulls’ first-round selection of French forward Noa Essengue?
Poll No. 2: Has the Cubs’ .500-ish June raised your concerns about their season?
Poll No. 3: Which team will win a playoff series first?
Analysis of the Picks and Concerns
Upshot: It wouldn’t be the Bulls if they weren’t going into business with yet another player who’s really young, still needs to fill out physically and is a project as a shooter. Other than that, can you say “championship”?
Upshot: Getting Shota Imanaga back and winning the last two games in St. Louis to earn a series split had to allay some worries among Cubs fans. Has Jed Hoyer traded for a pitcher or two yet?
Upshot: The Hawks in a runaway? What is this, 10 years ago?
Conclusion
The selection of Noa Essengue by the Bulls has sparked a mix of reactions, from encouragement to skepticism. The Cubs’ mediocre June has also raised concerns among fans. As for which team will win a playoff series first, the debate continues.
FAQs
Q: Who is Noa Essengue?
A: Noa Essengue is the 18-year-old French forward selected by the Bulls in the first round of the draft.
Q: Why are fans concerned about the Cubs?
A: The Cubs’ .500-ish June has raised concerns about their season.
Q: Which team is likely to win a playoff series first?
A: The answer remains to be seen, with various opinions among fans and experts.
