Noah Penda

Penda is a French forward who entered the NBA as a second-round pick in 2025 after a rapid rise through the French club system. Known for his versatility, defensive activity, and improving offensive game, he was named the LNB Pro A Best Young Player before transitioning to the Orlando Magic.

Born on January 7, 2005, in Paris, France, Penda grew up in Bondy and played several sports as a child, including football, judo, swimming, and tennis. He started playing basketball for BC Fontenay and later joined the clubs Villemomble and Levallois. He averaged 19.5 points in 11 games for the Levallois U15 squad in the 2019-20 season before joining Centre Federal de Basket-ball.

In June 2022, Penda signed a professional contract with JA Vichy-Clermont in the LNB Pro B, the French second tier. In the 2022-23 season, he averaged 3.9 points in 37 games. In the following season, he averaged 9.5 points and 5.9 rebounds and was selected second-team All-LNB Pro B by Eurobasket.com and named the league's best young player.

In June 2024, Penda signed with Le Mans Sarthe Basket in the LNB Elite, France's top tier. Despite being only 19 years old, he became a starter and was named an LNB All-Star. He participated in the league's Young Star Game in January, where he was named MVP. He was named the LNB Pro A Best Young Player after averaging 10.3 points, 5.3 rebounds, and 2.8 assists.

The Orlando Magic traded for Penda's draft rights from the Boston Celtics and selected him with the 32nd overall pick in the 2025 NBA draft. He has represented France at multiple junior levels, including the 2022 FIBA Under-17 Basketball World Cup and the 2024 FIBA U20 EuroBasket, where he won the championship.

Penda is a versatile forward with defensive activity, rebounding instincts, and a developing offensive game. His size and mobility allow him to guard multiple positions, and his offensive improvement suggests long-term potential as a two-way rotation player.