The NBA draft class of 2025 is filled with international talent, and French small forward/ shooting guard Noah Penda is one of them. The Le Mans forward is likely going in the second round, after all the big names have been picked. The question now is, is he a steal?
At 6’6, he is seen as a good playmaker and passer who is also a good defender. Offensively, he can make for a great wing, with a good corner three and can even score in the paint if needed. These are qualities of a player that teams usually look for in players late in the first round, which means that if he does get chosen in the second round, he could be a steal, especially as he has proven to be a good defender for the French team, Le Mans.
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However, Noah Penda does have some downsides, as many of those expected to go later in the first round, or even in the second round, do.
While he can sink threes, especially in the corner, his three-point percentage is a bit on the low side. He also lacks some mid-range shooting and is not that good of a shot creator, with him being flagged for turning the ball over often. He also lacks some athleticism, as many European players do.
Last season, Penda averaged 10.2 points, 5.5 rebounds, 2.7 assists and 1.2 steals per game for LeMans and may be a solid pick for any team looking for a role player.
Boston Celtics Possibly Interested in Drafting Frenchman Noah Penda
With regard to which teams are interested in Penda, he may be going to New England, as the Boston Celtics may draft him late in the first round or early in the second round. The Celtics have the No. 28 and the No. 32 draft picks, and Noah Penda could go on either one. Boston is known for its defensive focus, and the Frenchman would be a good fit for the green and white.
The Celtics have recently traded away Jrue Holiday to the Trailblazers, losing one of their best defenders in the process. The Frenchman can prove himself on the defensive end for the defense-minded Celtics, though he still has plenty to improve on should he want to make the final cut if they draft him.
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