ThePortland Trail Blazers’ predraft workouts are winding down ahead of the June 25-26 NBA draft. The Oregonian/OregonLive has been producing mini profiles on most of the top prospects the Blazers could target with the No. 11 pick.
Prior individual posts: BYU guard Egor Demin; Maryland forwardDerik Queen; Michigan Stage guard Jase Richardson; Georgia forward Asa Newell; Connecticut forward Liam McNeeley; Illinois forward Will Riley; Saint Joseph’s forward Rasheer Fleming.
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Le Mans Sarthe Basket (France) | 6-7 | Forward | 20
Background: Born in Paris, France, Penda played multiple sports growing up before focusing on basketball, which best fit his height and size. He has been playing professionally since 2022 and has had success internationally.
2024-25 statistics: Penda, who worked out Friday for the Blazers, averaged 10.2 points and 5.1 rebounds last season. He shot 44% from the field and 30.4% from three-point range on 92 attempts.
BASKET-CUP-PARIS-LE MANS
Le Mans' French forward Noah Penda dribbles the ball during the French Basketball Cup final between Paris Basketball and Le Mans at the Accor Arena - Palais Omnisports de Paris-Bercy, in Paris on April 26, 2025. (Photo by FRANCK FIFE / AFP) (Photo by FRANCK FIFE/AFP via Getty Images) AFP via Getty Images
Mock drafts: The Blazers taking Penda at No. 11 could be a reach, given that most mock drafts have him going no higher than No. 18 and as low as No. 30.
The Ringer: No. 18, Washington Wizards.
YahooSports.com: No. 23, Charlotte Hornets.
NBADraft.Net: No. 24, Indiana Pacers.
SBNation.com: No. 26, Brooklyn Nets.
CBSSports.com: No. 28, Boston Celtics.
USA Today: No. 29, Phoenix Suns.
Bleacher Report: No. 30, LA Clippers.
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Strengths: Penda is versatile enough to play both forward spots. At 243 pounds, he can bully his way inside to score, and at times, shoots well from long distance. He isn’t shy about getting physical in the paint on defense and uses his bulk to box out and rebound against taller players. He showed well in many areas while playing professionally against more experienced players.
Weaknesses: Penda’s overall offensive skills are limited. His lack of go-to moves and agility could make it difficult to create his own shot against NBA-caliber defenders. These faults could lead to Penda being best used as a backup.
Team fit: If Deni Avdija and Toumani Camara are the forwards of the future, adding a bruiser to back them up wouldn’t be a bad idea. Penda is someone who could take advantage of teams inside, while surrounded by perimeter scoring is something the Blazers lack.
-- Aaron Fentress | afentress@Oregonian.com | @AaronJFentress (Twitter), @AaronJFentress (Instagram), @AaronFentress (Facebook)