The Portland Trail Blazers had a far better season than many anticipated, notching 36 wins in a loaded Western Conference. This was a 15-game improvement from the previous season, led by the young core of Deni Avdija, Toumani Camara, and Donovan Clingan.
However, to take the next step forward, one analyst wants them to select a versatile forward who can contribute immediately with the No. 11 pick.
Portland Trail Blazers Projected To Select 12.4 PPG French Forward in 2025 NBA Draft
The Blazers’ roster mainly consists of smaller guards and true bigs, and is sorely in need of a wing-sized player. They ranked 16th in defensive rating at 113.7, and could use more perimeter defenders, like 6-foot-10 French forward Noa Essengue, who is predicted to be selected 11th overall by Portland in NBC Sports’ latest NBA mock draft by Noah Rubin.
“Essengue is still playing for Ratiopharm Ulm right now, so he wasn’t able to attend the NBA Draft Combine. However, he had some measurements done recently that put him at 6-10 without shoes on, which is a bit taller than expected, along with nearly a 7-1 wingspan,” Rubin wrote.
“He’s not a ball-dominant player, and he does a little bit of everything else, which will help him fit in right away with Portland’s young core. He will provide them with another formidable perimeter defender on the wing, and Scoot Henderson should be able to find him for some easy shots at the rim. If the Trail Blazers want to turn a corner this year, Essengue can contribute immediately, but he also won’t turn 19 years old until December.”
While his ballhandling is still developing, which hampers his ability to score or create reliably, Essengue’s raw athleticism still led to a very respectable 12.4 points per game and 5.3 rebounds per game for Ratiopharm Ulm in EuroCup play this season. Also, Essengue got to the line 5.6 times per game, an impressive total for such a young player.
He’ll need to smooth out his jumper after shooting only 29.4% on 3s while fewer than two a game. Regardless, his size and defensive versatility give him a decent floor while he smooths out the rough edges in his game. As the second-youngest prospect in the entire class, Essengue could provide an extremely high ceiling for Portland in the future.
Noa Essengue measured 6’10” (barefoot), 203.9 lbs, 7’0¾” wingspan, 9’1¾” standing reach.
Elite tools for a modern potential 3-and-D forward. Question is can he develop enough skill to reach a Siakam or Jerami Grant-level ceiling?pic.twitter.com/MavRkqAUMA
— NetsKingdom 👑🗽 (@NetsKingdomAJ) June 13, 2025
However, given Essengue’s high upside, he may already be off the board when the Blazers are picking 11th overall. In PFSN’s latest NBA Mock Draft by Cam Mellor, that’s exactly what happens, as the Houston Rockets take the Frenchman at No. 10, forcing the Blazers to select Georgetown center Thomas Sorber.
“Sorber’s got the frame to bully anyone down low, but don’t let that fool you, he can score, he can dish, and he set some vicious screens while flashing legit defensive instincts all year,” Mellor wrote.
“Assuming the foot’s fully healed (he suffered a season-ending foot injury in February), Sorber’s walking into a rotation that’ll need to find life in the post. Sorber’s two-way game should make him an instant favorite in Portland.”
