2025 NBA Draft Scouting Report for Orlando Magic No. 32 Pick Noah Penda
The Orlando Magic have selected Noah Penda with the No. 32 pick in the 2025 NBA draft. Orlando acquired the pick from the Boston Celtics, who received Orlando's No. 46 and 57 in the 2025 draft, along with two future second rounders.
The French forward has steadily climbed draft boards over the past year, thanks in large part to his play with ADA Blois in France’s top league.
In 2025, he was named both an LNB Pro A All-Star and the league’s Best Young Player, which is more impressive when you consider the recent talent coming out of the region.
Penda might not be the flashiest name in the class, but his trajectory screams long-term pro. Between his size, motor and growing skill set, there’s a real chance he carves out a decade-plus career as a versatile contributor who fits into a wide range of lineups.
Whether he ends up a high-level role player or grows into something more, Penda has the tools and mentality to thrive in a variety of NBA systems. He defends, he moves the ball, and he plays with the kind of physicality that coaches love to lean on.
Penda ranks No. 29 on B/R NBA draft expert Jonathan Wasserman's 2025 Prospect Big Board.
Essential Facts and Stats
Previous Team: Le Mans | Position: SF/PF | Height: 6'7" | Weight: 242 lbs | Age: 20 | Wingspan: 6'11½" | PPG: 10.2 | RPG: 5 | APG: 2.6 | BPG: 0.4 | SPG: 1.4 | FG%: 44.9 | 3PT%: 31.4
Realistic Pro Comparison: Nicolas Batum
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Penda's two-way versatility is reminiscent of LA Clippers forward Nicolas Batum.
Never considered a true star, Batum still earned a reputation as a do-it-all swingman who can play different offensive roles and defend multiple positions.
Even if Penda never reaches start status, he can follow the career path Batum has paved to become a key cog on a competitive roster.
Strengths
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Physical Tools: At 6'7", 242 pounds with a 6'11½" wingspan, Penda mixes wing size with big-man strength. His physical tools and mobility allow him to create advantages in multiple areas.
Defensive Versatility: Penda can guard both forward spots, but he also has obvious defensive instincts for making plays.
Offensive Versatility: He's lined up for a connector role. Though not the most advanced scorer or creator, he can make open threes, pass and finish around the basket.
Weaknesses
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Creating: Penda is not the type of forward you can run offense through. He'll likely do most of his offensive damage from off the ball.
Shooting Consistency: He'll need to go from capable to reliable from behind the arc. At this stage, his shot is too inconsistent for NBA teams to play him regular minutes.
Athleticism: Penda won't blow by anyone or explode above rim protection.
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