Noah Penda Position: Wing Height: 6'8" Weight: 225 lbs Age: 20 Wingspan: TBD Overview Noah Penda is a physically mature, high-IQ wing prospect whose calling card is his defensive versatility and glue-guy impact. At 6 '8”, 225 pounds, he combines strength, awareness, and a team-first mentality that allows him to thrive doing the little things on the court. He doesn’t project as a star, but Penda profiles as a plug-and-play role player who can make life easier for his teammates. The central question for his NBA outlook is his jumper, if it holds at a respectable level, he becomes an attractive rotation piece. If it regresses, his offensive fit becomes much murkier.

Offense Spot-Up Shooting & Floor Spacing: Penda’s shooting is the swing skill that will determine his offensive viability at the next level. He is currently hitting 36.2% of his threes on moderate volume (2.8 3PA per game), often off spot-up looks. His release is quick and compact off the catch, and he’s shown flashes of versatility, like shooting without a dip or pulling up from deep range. However, his free throw percentage and prior seasons (30.2% from three, 67.4% FT) raise questions about how sustainable this improvement is. The mechanics have improved, he’s quieted his base and looks more fluid, but the shot remains a work in progress. If the jumper holds, it will unlock the rest of his low-usage offensive package. Cutting & Clean-Up Work: Penda shines in off-ball movement and second-chance scoring. His instincts as a cutter are exceptional; he ranks in the 89th percentile on cuts among international prospects and excels at timing and exploiting defensive lapses. On the offensive glass, he leverages his strength and motor to earn extra possessions (8.6 ORB%). His touch on putbacks and second jumps makes him effective around the rim without needing plays drawn for him. Passing & Decision-Making: One of Penda’s best offensive traits is his passing. He plays with his head up, moves the ball quickly, and shows a knack for reading the floor. Whether making quick swing passes, skipping the ball to shooters, or executing interior feeds, Penda thrives as a connective passer. His assist-to-turnover ratio (2.7 APG to 1.7 TOV) and AST% (16.7%) underscore his feel. He’s not a primary initiator, but he amplifies ball movement and advantage creation, especially against rotating defenses. Limitations as a Driver: Despite his strong frame, Penda struggles to finish drives efficiently. His first step is average, and he often lacks the flexibility or deceleration to adjust once he commits downhill. His stride lengths can be choppy, and he sometimes forces contested layups without proper balance or body control. These limitations show up statistically (28.6 eFG% on drives) and on tape, where rim protectors can easily recover or meet him at the rim. Improving his handle and craft on the move would go a long way toward unlocking more scoring value. Defense Off-Ball Defense: Penda’s most impressive trait is his off-ball defensive intelligence. He consistently rotates early, tags rollers, closes out under control, and communicates coverages. He understands spacing and timing at a high level, rarely getting caught out of position. His awareness as the low man and timing on contests allow him to disrupt plays even when not directly guarding the ball. Defensive Playmaking: His combination of feel, timing, and activity makes him a force in generating stocks. He leads the French league in combined steals and blocks, edging out former NBA defenders like Andre Roberson. With a 3.3 STL% and 5.6 BLK%, Penda creates deflections, challenges shots, and blows up actions regularly. He’s opportunistic but rarely reckless. On-Ball Defense & Versatility: Penda’s 6’8” frame and 225-pound build give him the physicality to guard wings and some forwards, while his footwork and instincts allow him to contain guards on switches. He moves his feet well, mirrors ball handlers, and uses his strong hands to disrupt shots or force turnovers. He can get a little heavy-footed at times, but overall, his lateral mobility and strength profile him as a switchable defender who can fit into multiple schemes. Looking Ahead Noah Penda doesn’t project as a player who will change the course of a franchise, but his appeal lies in how much easier he makes life for the stars around him. He defends, passes, moves without the ball, and brings toughness and IQ to every possession. His blend of effort and understanding makes him a coach’s dream as a rotation player. However, whether he becomes a mainstay in an NBA lineup depends on one thing: his jumper. If his 36% clip from three holds, or even flattens out around league average, he has the tools to become a high-floor, low-maintenance 3-and-D forward with strong team value. If it regresses, his offensive impact narrows to cutting, crashing, and connective passing, which may not be enough to outweigh his shooting limitations. As a low-usage wing who thrives on feel and positional defense, Penda is a strong bet to stick on a roster if placed in the right environment. Teams that value versatility, role-player IQ, and switchable defenders are ideal fits. He may not carry the upside of a primary option, but in a league that’s increasingly dependent on versatile wings, Penda fills a high-demand archetype.