Orlando Magic’s Second-Round Pick Noah Penda Says He’s “Ready to Be on an NBA Court”

The Orlando Magic kept their momentum going in a busy offseason by making a bold move up the draft board. In a bid to strengthen their roster for a deeper playoff push, they traded four future second-round picks to secure the No. 32 overall selection and draft international forward Noah Penda.

While much of the Magic’s offseason focus has been on improving offensively, it was Penda’s defensive prowess that caught their eye—a skillset that aligns perfectly with the team’s identity. With concern another franchise might grab him, Orlando made the aggressive move to ensure they landed their target.

Penda brings three years of professional experience from France, most recently with Le Mans Sarthe, where he averaged 10.2 points, 5.1 rebounds, and 2.6 assists per game. Though his three-point shooting hovered at 30.4%, his all-around game and high motor helped him stand out. At 6-foot-8 with a 6-foot-11 wingspan, he also averaged 1.4 steals per game, showcasing his disruptive presence on the defensive end.

Speaking after the draft, Penda emphasized how being the youngest player in many professional settings has helped prepare him for the challenges ahead.

“I think it helped me because I’ve always been the youngest on the team,” Penda said. “So I know what it takes to earn minutes, to get on the floor. I understand what the Magic will expect from me early on, and I’m ready for that.”

Though his offensive game is still developing, Penda believes his defensive versatility and experience make him NBA-ready right away.

“I bring energy, versatility—everything starts with defense,” he said. “I’ve been playing pro in France for three years, and I can guard multiple positions. I don’t make many mistakes on offense, and I know I’ll grow into more responsibilities in the NBA. I’m just really excited to get started.”

With his physical tools and mindset, Penda looks like a natural fit for a Magic team that values defensive grit and long-term upside.

Orlando Magic’s Second-Round Pick Noah Penda Says He’s “Ready to Be on an NBA Court”

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