Dream Fit: Suns, Thunder, Grizzlies

Overall Grade: 51.66

Projected Position: SF/SG

Strengths:

• Smooth motion off catch & shoot 3pt

• Can direct offense, screens & cuts

• Under control with drives (quick)

• Strong rebounder

• Good off ball movement., cuts and soft spot recognition

• Read defenders leverage well

• Comfortable with back to basket game

• Good hang time to score through contact, bumps and scoee

• Great hands on timing to strip ball

• Okay perimeter contests

• Puts ball in position to not get stripped in transition

• Good job switching to stop 3pt attempts off screens

• Able to recover off ball when he gets blown by

• Comfortable switching onto multiple positions

Weaknesses:

• First instinct is to pass

• Dribbles the ball way too high

• Multiple times stopped and jumped, forcing him to pass

• Not much of an offensive bag

• Not the most confident shooter

• Low 3pt%

• Stays on defenders hip, rather than getting in front of him

• Needs to work on hip mobility, flat footed unable to adjust defensively

• At times lingers on help d in paint leading to open 3s, also doubles too often

• Okay closeout and contest, but not elite on perimeter d

• Needs to take better defensive angles

Last Ranking:

Trend:

Projected NBA rookie role:

Projected NBA position:

Projected Rookie Statline (Pts, Reb, Ast, Blk/Stl):

Strengths:

Weakness:

Shades of/comp:

Best outcome:

mid outcome:

worst outcome:

Athletic wing. He's raw but a does a lot of things well. He has high upside. Has a big body and is a really good defender.

NBA Comp: Boris Diaw, Precious Achiuwa

Projected draft range:

Projected NBA rookie role:

Projected NBA position:

Projected Rookie Statline:

Strengths:

Weakness:

Shades of/comp:

Big frame, good IQ, mobile, great defender but a bit stiff with the dribble. The big question mark is his scoring, he's the type of player like DIaw and Batum that does evreything well except scoring. He will be a role player and could be a great one, a good one or just not in the NBA.

NBA comparison : Robert Covington/Nicolas Batum

Scouting Report: Noah Penda

Position: Forward
Height/Weight: 6'8", 225 lbs
Team: Le Mans Sarthe Basket (LNB Élite, France)

Draft Projection: Late first-round to early second-round pick in the 2025 NBA Draft

Overview:
Noah Penda is a promising French prospect who has steadily risen through the ranks of European basketball. Known for his versatility, athleticism, and defensive prowess, Penda has made a significant impact in the LNB Élite league. His international experience and ability to adapt to high-pressure situations make him an intriguing candidate for the NBA.

Strengths:

• Defensive Versatility: Penda excels at guarding multiple positions, using his length and instincts to disrupt opponents.

• Rebounding: Strong presence on the boards, particularly on the defensive end.

• Transition Play: Thrives in fast-break situations, finishing with athleticism and control.

• Basketball IQ: Reads the game well and makes smart decisions on both ends of the court.

• International Experience: His performances in tournaments like the FIBA U20 EuroBasket have showcased his ability to compete at a high level.

Areas for Improvement:

• Three-Point Shooting: Needs to improve consistency from beyond the arc to become a more complete offensive player.

• Shot Creation: Developing his ability to create his own shot will elevate his scoring impact.

• Physicality: Adding strength will help him handle the physical demands of the NBA.

Player Comparisons:

• Nicolas Batum: For his versatility and ability to contribute on both ends of the court.

• Deni Avdija: For his size, athleticism, and potential as a two-way player.

• Thaddeus Young: For his rebounding and defensive impact.

Summary:
Noah Penda is a dynamic forward with the potential to be a valuable contributor at the next level. His defensive versatility, rebounding, and basketball IQ make him a strong candidate for teams looking to add depth on the wing. With continued development in his shooting and offensive creation, he could carve out a significant role in the NBA.

Coming off gold with France's U20 team over the summer, Noah Penda has been productive in Pro A with his consistent shooting and live-dribble passing.

He's at 40.5 percent from three for the year, giving his lineup a shotmaker and floor spacer who passes/moves the ball, finishes plays and makes them defensively.

Only four NCAA freshmen or sophomores can currently match Penda's 15.0+ assist rate, 3.0+ steal rate and 5.0+ block rate, and three are in our projected first round.

The interest in Penda will gradually rise if he continues to hit threes at a consistent rate after he made 9-of-16 at the European Championships. He has a connector-type skill set that could sway scouts to buy role-player potential.