The 2025 NBA Draft intrigue is at a fever pitch, and French prospect Noa Essengue is right in the middle of it. The 18-year-old forward has become the focus of intense speculation following a secretive pre-draft process that has insiders convinced they know where he’ll land tonight.
After leaving Ratiopharm Ulm’s German league finals run, Essengue’s calculated moves have pointed clearly to one destination.
Noa Essengue and Toronto Raptors: A Match Made in Secrecy
While publicly denying any pre-draft workouts during media availability on Tuesday, June 24, the day before the NBA Draft, ESPN’s Jonathan Givony revealed that Essengue conducted a “secret private workout” with the Toronto Raptors.
The French forward twice told reporters he hadn’t worked out for any teams due to his obligations with Ulm, contrasting the reported session with Toronto. Essengue reportedly flew straight to Toronto following the Basketball Bundesliga playoffs before heading to New York for the NBA Draft’s green room.
The timing of the “secret private workout” has only fueled speculation. Toronto is the only confirmed stop Essengue made, and the Raptors hold the No. 9 overall pick, making the connection hard to ignore.
Noa Essengue conducted a secret private workout with the Raptors before heading to New York for the NBA Draft, per @DraftExpress (https://t.co/dKQyrH4Glu).
Essengue is receiving significant interest from the Nets, Suns and Toronto. pic.twitter.com/jLYTzDFqiV
— Evan Sidery (@esidery) June 25, 2025
However, the connection extends beyond just the workout. Essengue strategically name-dropped three players with Raptors connections when asked about the NBA players he models his game after: “I’d say guys like Pascal Siakam, Scottie Barnes, Kawhi [Leonard].” This wasn’t subtle, and it may have been a clear signal about his preferred destination.
At 6-foot-10 with a 7-foot-1 wingspan, Essengue is a seamless fit for Toronto’s team DNA. With his defensive versatility, he can easily switch between the different court positions. His size and ability to move well on the court fit perfectly with how the Raptors’ frontcourt players operate, indicating he could be highly productive here.
On the other hand, he is still not a consistent shooter from distance, as evidenced by his limited 29.4% 3-point conversion rate during the 2024-25 EuroCup Basketball season. However, the combination of his defensive potential and his physical tools could make him a very attractive prospect for a team in need of talent development.
The French forward averaged 12.4 points, 5.3 rebounds, and 1.4 steals per game this season while helping Ulm reach the German BBL Finals. His playoff performance was awe-inspiring, posting 13.0 points, 5.7 rebounds, and 3.3 assists per game during the quarterfinal 3-0 sweep of Alba Berlin.
Critics questioned Essengue’s decision to leave the finals for draft preparations, with insider Jeff Goodman calling it a “red flag.” However, the strategic calculation appears clear, positioning himself for Toronto’s selection at ninth overall.
ESPN’s mock draft supports this outcome, projecting Essengue to Toronto. Meanwhile, PFSN’s latest two-round 2025 NBA Mock Draft projected the French star to go to the reigning champions, the Oklahoma City Thunder, at No. 15. If the smoke leads to fire, the Raptors may have already locked in their man, and Essengue’s draft-night mystery may finally be solved.
