Noa Essengue doesn’t want to pick sides.
But it’s hard to avoid one key debate about basketball in Chicago: Michael Jordan versus LeBron James.
When he was first selected by the Bulls, Essengue didn’t know much about Chicago, but he knew the legacy of the franchise well. From draft night to his first week of practice at the Advocate Center, Essengue continued to praise the history of the franchise that chose him at No. 12.
“It’s one of the best franchises ever,” Essengue said. “They’ve got six rings. Some big legends from here, the GOAT is from here. So it’s really cool to have the Bulls jersey on me.”
Chicago Bulls youngsters Matas Buzelis and Noa Essengue prepare to lay a foundation in summer league
Throwing around the word “GOAT” opens up a treacherous debate in Chicago. In the city that Jordan built, new Bulls players often walk a tightrope to avoid offending their new fan base with a potentially controversial take on the GOAT debate. Essengue is no different, even despite his initial labeling of Jordan as the Greatest of All Time.
At 18, Essengue is part of a new generation of post-Jordan hoopers who are more likely to align with James as the new face of greatness in the NBA. And Essengue didn’t shy away from his fandom of James, who he also considers to be Jordan’s equal in the debate.
Essengue explained that Jordan is the GOAT. But in his mind, that doesn’t rule James out of the conversation either.
“I’m from (the) LeBron era, so maybe in my mind I can go more with LeBron,” Essengue said. “Basketball changed with MJ — but it also changed with LeBron. So for me, it’s not easy to choose.”
That might just be a diplomatic answer from a Chicago newcomer. After all, Essengue only got into town two weeks ago. His introductions to Chicago have consisted of a boat tour, a trip to Navy Pier for the fireworks and a whole lot of basketball.
But while he gets to know his new city, Essengue isn’t trying to ruffle any feathers — so for now, the rookie is settling the GOAT debate with a tie.