The 2025 NBA Draft is around the corner, and one prospect gaining traction is Noah Penda, a 6’8” French forward whose versatile game has scouts making comparisons.
Bleacher Report’s Jonathan Wasserman compares him to Nicolas Batum, the veteran who’s earned over $203 million in his NBA career. A recent mock draft has Penda landing with the Boston Celtics, signaling his potential to make an early impact. Could he be the draft’s next hidden gem?
Noah Penda: A Rising Star With Nicolas Batum-Like Versatility
The 19-year-old, 225-pound forward is drawing attention in France’s Pro A league, where he’s already a starter. Across 16 games this season, his scoring sits in the mid-single digits, but his efficiency and basketball IQ are excellent.
At the U20 European Championships, he drilled 9-of-16 threes, showcasing his range. With a 36.2% three-point clip and sharp passing, Penda’s versatility is calling attention, making Wasserman compare him to lofty Batum in his recent article.
Wasserman’s comparison points to Batum’s prime with the Portland Trail Blazers and early Charlotte Hornets years. At 6’8”, Batum was a two-way force, locking down guards and forwards with his length and instincts.
Offensively, he wasn’t a high-volume scorer but thrived as a connector, hitting threes, facilitating, and finishing smoothly. His do-everything style made him invaluable, and that’s the blueprint Penda’s being measured against.
How Penda’s Skill Set Mirrors Batum’s Versatile Style
Start with their frames: both 6’8” and built to handle NBA physicality. Penda’s 36.2% three-point shooting mirrors Batum’s early ability to stretch defenses. His passing, while not yet yielding big assist numbers, shows a knack for smart, unselfish plays that keep offenses flowing.
My thing w a guy like Penda is that you need to be very very good, maybe special, defensively…
…If that’s how you shoot & score
Now, he does have good connective skills (passing is good, handle is good enough, etc) & size is good enough
Good prospect, but don’t need to reach
— Nate Babcock NBA Draft (@coachnatebdraft) May 18, 2025
On defense, Penda’s quick feet and long arms let him switch across positions, much like Batum did in his prime. It’s this two-way, glue-guy potential that has Wasserman drawing the comparison.
Penda is not a high-usage scorer, but he can hit open shots, make the right pass, and defend multiple spots. A recent mock draft projects him to the Boston Celtics, a fit that makes sense.
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With Jayson Tatum expected to miss significant time in the 2025/2026 season, Penda could see early minutes if he adapts to the NBA’s pace. Teams like Denver or Miami, who value smart role players, would love his skill set. His scoring needs work, but at 19, his upside is clear.
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