The Orlando Magic sent a clear message on draft night by trading up to select French forward Noah Penda with the 32nd overall pick in the 2025 NBA Draft.
While other teams viewed him as a typical draft-and-stash prospect, Orlando had a different, more immediate plan in mind.
Magic Make Their Intentions Clear: No Draft-and-Stash for Penda
The Magic acquired Penda from the Boston Celtics in exchange for the Nos. 46 and 57 picks, plus 2026 and 2027 second-round selections, and intend to bring him to the NBA immediately. The team plans to sign Penda to a standard NBA contract for the upcoming season, meaning he will join their roster next season rather than remaining overseas.
ESPN’s Jonathan Givony singled out Penda as the draft’s premier off-ball defender, praising his exceptional defensive instincts and awareness.
Orlando sports analyst Brandon Kravitz echoed this sentiment, saying, “Jonathan Givony just called Penda the most instinctual off-ball defender in this draft class and says that he will be coming to America to be on the Orlando Magic roster.”
Jonathan Givony just called Penda the most instinctual off ball defender in this draft class and says that he will be coming to America to be on the Orlando Magic roster. https://t.co/RLGkewLgeh
— Brandon Kravitz (@BrandonKravitz) June 27, 2025
Givony also noted that Penda had garnered serious interest from teams in the late first round, highlighting his “strong defensive versatility, passing, and overall feel for the game.” However, inconsistent shooting held him back in the pre-draft process, ultimately pushing him into the second round.
Breaking Down Penda’s NBA-Ready Skill Set
Penda is a 6-foot-7 forward from Paris who has been impressing scouts with his performances in Europe. During the 2024-25 season, he averaged 10.2 points, 5.0 rebounds, 2.6 assists, 1.4 steals, and 0.9 blocks for Le Mans Sarthe Basket.
He shot 44.9% from the field, 31.4% from beyond the arc, and 69.2% from the free-throw line. While these numbers don’t leap off the page, they reflect a well-rounded player who contributes across multiple areas.
What separates Penda from many peers is his defensive impact. At 6-foot-8 with a 6-foot-11.5-inch wingspan and weighing 242 pounds, he possesses the physical tools to guard multiple positions. His quick feet, strong frame, and high basketball IQ make him a valuable defensive asset.
However, shooting consistency remains his primary area for improvement. Penda’s 31.4% mark from the three-point range shows room for growth. Developing reliable perimeter shooting will be crucial for earning consistent minutes, especially in lineups that prioritize spacing.
Perfect Fit for Orlando’s Championship Timeline
The Magic are betting on Penda’s strengths aligning with their needs. With a young core featuring Paolo Banchero and Franz Wagner, Orlando seeks players who can fill gaps, make hustle plays, and adapt to different roles. Penda fits that profile perfectly.
While he’s not a flashy scorer, his defense, effort, and passing ability make him an ideal candidate for a rotational role on a team that finished with the NBA’s second-best defensive rating. The plan is straightforward: Noah Penda will attend training camp this fall, compete for minutes, and barring unforeseen circumstances, play in a Magic jersey next season.
This isn’t a draft-and-stash situation. This is a player Orlando wants immediately, and they believe he’s ready to contribute to their championship aspirations.
