May 3, 2025; Denver, Colorado, USA; LA Clippers fans cheer before the game against the Denver Nuggets in game seven of first round for the 2025 NBA Playoffs at Ball Arena. Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-Imagn Images Ron Chenoy-Imagn Images

Clippers Predicted To Take Pro-Ready Forward In 2025 NBA Draft

Originally posted on Los Angeles Clippers on SI
By Liam Willerup | Last updated Jun 23, 2025 3:26 PM ET

The topic of Los Angeles Clippers draft picks might be a sore one for Clippers fans on Monday, as the draft picks they traded away alongside Shai Gilgeous-Alexander in 2019 helped the Oklahoma City Thunder capture the NBA title on Sunday in a seven-game series win over the Indiana Pacers.

Since 2019, Kobe Brown has been the only Clippers first-round draft pick due to the number of trades they've made. Now, heading into the 2025 NBA Draft on Wednesday, they are set to select 30th overall after the Thunder exercised their rights to swap with the Clippers. While the end of the first round isn't glamorous, ESPN's recent projection for them could help them as early as next year.

Major impact defensively for Noah Penda in Game 1 of the French playoff quarterfinals vs Monaco, one of the best teams in Europe. Showed his motor, feel and instincts on and off the ball flying all over the court for blocks, steals and deflections while making some nice passes. pic.twitter.com/Savs22E4jI
— Jonathan Givony (@DraftExpress) May 30, 2025

In ESPN's latest 2025 NBA Mock Draft, they have the Clippers selecting French prospect Noah Penda. Standing at 6-foot-8 and 225 lbs, Penda seems to have all the tools to be an immediate impact role player while his game continues to develop. Here's what Jeremy Woo had to say about Penda:

"Penda, who can play multiple positions, is young enough to portend upside and might be a reliable jump shot away from offering some bench value, makes for an interesting fit here," Woo wrote.

Noah Penda's tape on defense is super fun. Can get a bit gambly from time to time, but you also can't find many dudes who are 6-7 without shoes with a 6-11 wingspan at 245 pounds who can also slide their feet laterally and stay in front of Mike James before swatting his jumper. pic.twitter.com/CILjogZsU1
— Sam Vecenie (@Sam_Vecenie) May 2, 2025

"Penda has been an interesting sleeper name for teams due to his versatility and his capability to play all over the floor on offense and also defend several spots. While his perimeter shooting and limited run-jump physical profile are question marks for teams, his feel, skill and size are all nice selling points," he added.

The Clippers boasted the second-best defense in the Western Conference this past season in points per game, and Penda could end up being a replacement for Nicolas Batum in the rotation, regardless of whether he returns or not.

This article first appeared on Los Angeles Clippers on SI and was syndicated with permission.

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