There were only five teams to shoot above 80 percent from the free-throw line a season ago. The Chicago Bulls were one of these five sharpshooting squads. However, among the five teams, Chicago ranked last in attempts.
On a broader spectrum, Chicago ranked second-to-last, only behind the Boston Celtics, in free-throw attempts per game last season. The Bulls averaged merely 19.7 free throws per contest, yet, as mentioned, knocked them down at an 80.9 percent clip—third-best in the association.
While the Bulls' low ranking in trips to the line could be attributed to moving on from a slew of veterans, including elite scorers DeMar DeRozan and Zach LaVine, that's not the case. Chicago's lack of free-throw rate has been an ongoing issue. Chicago hasn't ranked in the top half of the NBA in free throw attempts per game since the 2014-15 season!
Over the same stretch, the Bulls have placed in the top half of the NBA in free-throw percentage in all but two seasons. Chicago has routinely knocked down free throws at a high rate; they just haven't gotten to the line as often as one would hope.
Still, it’s worth noting the Bulls have worked to raise their collective free-throw rate. Last season, Chicago raised its free-throw attempts per game from 19.0 (30th in the NBA) to 21.1 (19th) after the All-Star break.
Noa Essengue could help solve a pressing issue for the Bulls
To keep building on its progress at getting to the line, Chicago added one of the most prolific foul drawers in recent memory. With the 12th overall pick in June's draft, the Bulls added 18-year-old Noa Essengue, whose free-throw rate with Germany's Ratiopharm Ulm was an outlandish 75.1 percent. For instance, Mason Plumlee led all NBA qualifiers with a 63.4 free-throw rate last season. Furthermore, Giannis Antetokounmpo's career-high free-throw rate is 61.5.
Despite weighing in at right around 200 pounds, Essengue didn't shy away from contact. He averaged 4.8 free throws in only 22.8 minutes per game across 60 appearances in Basketball Bundesliga, the Eurocup, and the German Cup.
Almost a third of Essengue points came via free throws—31.7 percent. For reference, only 24.4 percent of apparent notorious foul-drawer Mason Plumlee's points came via the foul line.
Remarkably, Essengue was the only player to log fewer than 23.0 minutes per game yet still attempt over 4.0 free throws—all while playing against professionals at 17 and 18 years old.
Fast forward to his NBA debut, and Essengue appeared uneasy with the physicality of the NBA, yet he still averaged 4.3 free throw attempts per game in three summer league appearances. Essengue attempted two free throws against the Toronto Raptors, seven against the Sacramento Kings, and four against the Indiana Pacers. In total, he converted 8-of-13 attempts.
Of course, Essnegue won't immediately change the trajectory of the Bulls' lack of foul line endeavors. He might not even see much action as an 18/19-year-old rookie. Still, Essengue's unique ability to draw fouls will play a part sooner rather than later.
The 6-foot-10 wing is a threat in transition, which so happens to be the Bulls' mode of operandi. With Essengue running alongside fellow wing, Matas Buzelis, and guards Coby White and Josh Giddey (hopefully) on the fast break, he should see plenty of foul-drawing opportunities, in turn, upping Chicago's shoddy free throw rate.