The 2025 NBA Draft will take place over two days, just like the 2024 draft, on June 25 and 26. That means we’re not far from the day when many elite rookies will make the jump from college to the pro league.
As the draft approaches, every team is preparing to make the best use of their picks, and the Oklahoma City Thunder is no exception. Their most talked-about pick is the No. 15 overall selection. According to the latest mock drafts, they may be targeting a loaded young forward, Noa Essengue, currently playing professionally in Germany.
Is Noa Essengue Going to the Thunder at No. 15 in the 2025 Draft?
The Oklahoma City Thunder will have three picks in the 2025 NBA Draft: No. 15, No. 24, and No. 44 overall. Originally, OKC had a chance to secure four first-round picks, but due to pick protections, they missed out on selections from Utah and Philadelphia.
Their No. 15 pick, originally from Miami, is now drawing the most buzz as fans and analysts wonder who the Thunder might select.
Among the names being discussed, Essengue stands out. His fit with OKC is gaining attention, especially after CSN featured him in a recent mock draft.
Given the Thunder’s strong track record with international players, Essengue’s name makes perfect sense. His raw skills, long-term potential, and athletic upside make him a perfect match for their system.
The report cited, “It’s become a regular theme for the Thunder to select overseas developmental players, and Essengue fits that bill. Still just 18, he’s played professionally in Germany for two seasons and, at 6’10” and playing on the perimeter, has a high ceiling. Whether or not he can add mass to his thin frame could determine if he’ll realize his potential.”
Essengue is a 6’10” French forward projected to go in the top 20 of the 2025 NBA Draft. He plays for Ratiopharm Ulm in Germany’s Basketball Bundesliga (BBL). The best part is that he has already impressed scouts with his defense, athleticism, and ability to guard multiple positions.
Projected lottery pick Noa Essengue had his best game of the season in a win over Euroleague team Alba Berlin in the German BBL playoffs. 21 points (13-13 FT), 4 rebounds, 3 assists, 2 steals for the 6’11, 18-year old French power forward. pic.twitter.com/HA6syDHEaN
— Jonathan Givony (@DraftExpress) May 18, 2025
The 18-year-old is getting closer to hearing his name called in the NBA Draft, and he has made it clear that his goal is to become a top-10 pick.
“Since I was a kid, it’s been my dream to get drafted by an NBA team,” Essengue said recently. “My goal now is to be a top-10 pick… I will need to get myself ready, because there’s a big gap between Europe and the NBA.”
Looking at his record, Essengue has put up impressive numbers in just two professional seasons. He’s averaging 12.4 points, 5.3 rebounds, 1.1 assists, and 1.6 steals per game. While his 3-point shooting is still a work in progress at 29.4%, he’s reliable from the free-throw line, hitting 73%, which is a promising sign for his development.
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With all this in mind, there’s a real chance the Thunder could select him with the No. 15 pick. However, much will depend on how he performs in pre-draft workouts, team interviews, and the NBA Combine. If he impresses, Essengue could even climb into the top 10.
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