NBA

Noah Penda Draft Profile

When it comes to uncut gems with sky-high potential in the basketball world, very few names are buzzing quite like Noah Penda. The silky-smooth French forward has gone from relative obscurity to international intrigue in only a matter of months, and as we inch closer to the 2025 NBA Draft, scouts and GMs are racing to get more eyes on this high-upside prospect.

An Emerging French Force

Born in France and developed within the ranks of Paris Basketball, Penda has become one of Europe’s most intriguing young prospects. At 6’9’’ with a 7’1″ wingspan, Penda exudes positional versatility and defensive twitchinesstwo traits that NBA teams are salivating over in the modern game.

His NBA pathway mimics that of several recent French standoutsthink Bilal Coulibaly or even Ousmane Diengand it’s not just the French passport drawing comparisons. Penda’s unique combination of defensive instincts, vertical athleticism, and developing offensive finesse has positioned him as a key figure in the growing pipeline of European wings converting raw tools into refined NBA value.

Strengths: Defense, Defense, and More Defense

Let’s not mince words: Penda’s calling card is on the defensive end. He has length, lateral mobility, and uncommon timing for a player his age. Whether it’s switching onto smaller guards on the perimeter or contesting shots as the low-man, his impact flies off the film.

• Multi-positional defender: Guarded all five positions in FIBA U18 competition.
• Shot-blocking prowess: Averaged nearly 2 blocks per game in limited minutes.
• Disruptive hands: Knows how to play passing lanes intelligently.

Think of Penda as a young wing who thrives on chaos. Coaches love players like himthose who treat every loose ball like it owes them money and who rotate with intention rather than hesitation. His defensive engine never turns off; and if you’re not careful, he’ll sneak behind for a weak-side rejection or steal before you know what hit you.

Offensive Game: A Work in Progress, But Promising

If you’re expecting Penda to shoot lights out or drop 25 points a night, you might need to tap the brakes. But what he does offer on the offensive side is flashes of something dangerous down the road. He’s a powerful slasher with good elevation and is extremely effective in transition.

The shooting stroke is improvingword from insiders is that Penda has ramped up his shot mechanics and confidence from deep. While he shot below 30% from beyond the arc in international play last year, there’s an upward trajectory that teams won’t ignore. Plus, his touch around the rim and improved handle open up potential as a secondary scorer or cutter within a developed offensive scheme.

“He looked comfortable stepping into threes off the catch, and that’s something we couldn’t say six months ago,” said one EuroLeague scout. “There’s clearly something there.”

Intangibles and Motor: The Unteachable Assets

What sets Penda apart may not be found in his stat linebut rather between the ears. He brings a rare blend of humility, hustle, and high IQ. Teammates rave about his coachability, and coaches consistently praise his film study habits. Few 19-year-olds kill chase-down blocks and still communicate through every offensive possession.

This unshakable presence and winner’s mentality have turned heads in every gym he’s walked into. And in a draft where plenty of prospects have flash, but not always substance, Penda feels like someone worth betting oneven if he isn’t household name just yet.

NBA Comparison: Shades of Herb Jones Meets Jonathan Isaac

While comparisons are always fluid and should be taken with a grain of salt, if you’re looking for a stylistic framework, imagine if Herb Jones gained an inch and added a bit more bounce. Penda’s shot-blocking reminds some scouts of a young Jonathan Isaac, without the injury history (knock on wood).

Both comps reflect role players who turned their elite defense into a starting-caliber impact and trusted minutes in crunch timesomething Penda could replicate if his development continues on this track.

Draft Range: Late First to Early Second Round… For Now

Penda projects as a player who could rocket up draft boards with strong pre-draft workouts and continued growth offensively. As of now, he’s considered a late first-round or early second-round prospect. Teams with a strong development track recordthink Miami, Toronto, or Oklahoma Citycould see him as an ideal long-term project with two-way upside.

He may not be the pick you scream about on draft night. But years from now, don’t be surprised if his name comes up when talking about “steals of the 2025 NBA Draft.”

Final Thoughts

In today’s NBA, it’s not just about who can score. It’s about who can do everything elseand do it better than most. That’s where Noah Penda shines. With elite defensive chops, standout physical tools, and a heartwired competitive edge, he’s a prospect built for the grindy, gritty undercurrent of championship teams. His rise may be quiet for now, but rest assured, Noah Penda is on the radarand he’s about to be much louder.

Add the name to your mock draft spreadsheets, and circle it in red inkthis Frenchman is no footnote. He’s a future impact player waiting for the right opportunity to break through.

Best NBA Players #0

If we’ve learned anything in today’s NBA, it’s that greatness don’t always wear traditional numbers. Once reserved for benchwarmers or late-round training camp hopefuls, the jersey number “0” has become one of the most iconic digits in the league. Somewhere between the symbolism of a fresh beginning and a chip-on-the-shoulder mentality, players sporting that single zero have redefined what dominance looks likewith both swagger and substance.

In celebration of fearless hoopers who made zero feel like an untouchable badge of honor, let’s take a trip down memory lane (and through modern highlight reels) to break down the best NBA players ever to wear jersey #0. This list blends raw talent, cultural impact, and cold-blooded playoff performances. Buckle upthis ride’s got handles, range, and an MVP or three.

Russell Westbrook

The Triple-Double Tornado.

Russell Westbrook didn’t just wear #0he owned it. Drafted 4th overall by the Seattle Supersonics before they became the Oklahoma City Thunder, Westbrook redefined what it meant to be a one-man army on the hardwood. His MVP season in 2016–17 will be remembered for decadesnot just because he averaged a triple-double for the entire season (the first since Oscar Robertson), but because he did it with relentless ferocity and unmatched athleticism.

Four seasons averaging a triple-double, multiple All-NBA selections, and one of the most aggressive engines in league historyWestbrook’s #0 is synonymous with competitive fire. Love him or leave him, you can’t deny he made zero feel like a superhero’s emblem.

Signature Moment:

Who can forget that clutch 36-foot buzzer-beater against the Nuggets to seal his playoff spot and MVP fate? Electric, emphatic, and oh-so-Russ.

Damian Lillard

“Logo Lillard” is Zero Chill.

The mantra “Dame Time” didn’t just become a cultural lexicon on accident. Rocking #0 for the Portland Trail Blazers (and now the Milwaukee Bucks), Damian Lillard is one of the coldest closers the league has ever seen. Precision shooting from the logo, surgical pick-and-roll execution, and a whole lot of game-winning daggersLillard has turned his jersey number into a declaration of late-game dominance.

Dame’s loyalty to Portland turned him into a folk herountil the 2023 blockbuster trade sent him right into Milwaukee’s win-now plans. Still, whether in Rip City or Cream City, #0 continues to represent bottomless range and clutch execution.

Signature Moment:

The wave. Game 5, 2019 playoffs, 50-burger on the Thunder, and that 37-foot missile over Paul George to send OKC packing. Then that ice-cold wave goodbye. Pure cinema.

Jayson Tatum

The Future’s in Good Hands (and Stepbacks).

A newerbut already eliterepresentative of the zero club, Jayson Tatum has quietly and confidently risen to superstardom. The Celtics forward combines the elegance of a Kobe disciple with the size and versatility fit for today’s positionless NBA. Tatum’s been an All-Star fixture, dropped a 51-point Game 7 masterpiece against the Sixers in 2023, and continues to cement himself as the league’s new two-way wing prototype.

Wearing #0 as an homage to his roots in St. Louis (zip code 314), Tatum brings skill, humility, and ice-cold finesse to the number. Watching him rise is watching a future MVP in slow motion.

Signature Moment:

That Game 7 explosion in the Eastern Conference Semifinalsmost points in a Game 7 ever. Tatum didn’t just break recordshe snapped ankles and spirits doing it.

Gilbert Arenas

Agent Zero, the Original Scorer Assassin.

Before #0 was cool, it was Gilbert Arenas who turned it into an identity. Known as “Agent Zero,” Arenas used his jersey number as motivationhe was famously told he’d never amount to anything in the league, so he wore zero to never forget.

And for a four-year stretch in the mid-2000s, Arenas was a walking bucket. Three-time All-Star, cold-blooded shot maker, and the original alpha dog of the Washington Wizards, “Hibachi” could turn up the heat in seconds. While his career was marred by off-court controversy, Gil’s on-court legacy lives on through those thunderous game-winners and fearlessness with the ball in his hands.

Signature Moment:

January 2006: Arenas goes for 60 against Kobe and the Lakers inside Staples Center. In front of the Mamba himself, he left zero remorse.

Marcus Smart

Zero Flash, All Grit.

While most #0 heroes thrive off offensive fireworks, Marcus Smart built his name as an elite defensive pit bull. Wearing #0 in Boston as the heart-and-soul glue guy since 2014, Smart brought edge, vocal leadership, and the kind of hustle that doesn’t show up in box scoresbut transforms good teams into great ones.

Defensive Player of the Year in 2022 (the first guard to win it since 1996), Smart’s value reaches far beyond stats. Now lacing them up for the Memphis Grizzlies, his zero still stands for emptying the tank, every single night.

Signature Moment:

The 2022 Playoffsintercepting passing lanes, diving for critical loose balls, and setting the tone defensively all the way to the NBA Finals. That’s Marcus Smart basketballditch the finesse, give him the grind.

Honorable Mentions

• Kevin Love (Cleveland Cavaliers): Wore #0 during the Cavs’ 2016 championship run. A stretch-4 early in the trend, Love was key in spacing and rebounding for LeBron’s squad.
• Jordan Clarkson: High-octane scoring off the bench, 2021 Sixth Man of the Year, and an underrated bucket-getter for the Utah Jazz.
• Darius Garland: Ascending star in Cleveland, blending flashy handles with a soft shooting touch. He’s making zero look like a starting point cornerstone.
• Nick Young (“Swaggy P”): The vibes were always immaculate. Could drop 30 or forget the scorebut always entertaining in that #0.

Why Players Choose Zero

Let’s face itzero’s not just a number, it’s a mindset. For many, wearing #0 represents overlooked beginnings, underdog status, or “starting from nothing.” It’s a jab at the doubters. But in today’s league, it’s increasingly chosen by players embracing stealth greatness and redefining cool. It’s part resistance, part rebellion, all statement.

Also worth noting: #0 keeps things clean. On court, it stands out. On Score Bugs, it’s sleek. In highlight packages, there’s no mistaking it. Zero is no longer “nothing.” It’s powerdistilled.

The Final Word

From Russell Westbrook to Jayson Tatum, the best NBA players to wear #0 have flipped its meaning from a void to a vortexdrawing in defenders, headlines, and hardware. The jersey speaks volumes, but it’s the players inside it who’ve made the number historic.

So next time you see a zero walk onto the hardwood, don’t blink. Greatness is often one digit away from unforgettable.

Knicks Stun Pacers

In a blazing display of grit, hustle, and a little bit of Broadway magic, the New York Knicks pulled off a sensational Game 3 win over the Indiana Pacers in the Eastern Conference Finals, shaking up the playoff narrative and Madison Square Garden along with it. A matchup that had looked like it might quietly lean toward Indiana turned into a full-blown Manhattan marvel, with the Knicks stealing the showand advantagewith a 114-109 upset in Indianapolis.

Towns Takes Center Stage

With Jalen Brunson battling rhythm issues and Julius Randle still sidelined, it was Karl-Anthony Towns who seized the spotlight in Game 3. The big man delivered a monstrous 34-point, 12-rebound masterpiece, making it clear why the Knicks bet big on him earlier in the season. Whether it was feathery mid-range jumpers, beastly low-block work, or clutch three-pointers, KAT played like a man on a missionand that mission was domination.

“This is what we play for,” Towns told reporters afterwards. “Moments like this in buildings like thisthis is the dream.”

Defense, Determination, and a Dash of Drama

The Knicks’ defensive intensity came to life in the second half. After trailing by 12 in the third quarter and with the momentum seemingly slipping away, New York dug deep. Josh Hartthe Swiss Army knife of Tom Thibodeau’s defensive schemesdelivered a jaw-dropping swat of Tyrese Haliburton in the closing minutes, a play that flipped the emotional tempo of the game.

Haliburton, who had torched New York in Game 2, was held to a modest 18-point outing. He struggled to find clean looks under the relentless perimeter pressure. Meanwhile, OG Anunoby played his role to perfectionbodying up on defense and knocking down two crucial threes during the Knicks’ fourth-quarter surge.

The Garden’s Grit on the Road

Led by head coach Tom Thibodeau’s unmistakable brand of physical, bruising basketball, the Knicks outworked the Pacers on the boards and in hustle plays. New York edged Indiana 46-38 in rebounds, and collected 14 offensive boards to keep crucial possessions alive.

“We define ourselves by effort,” said Thibodeau postgame, his voice as gravelly as the Knicks’ play. “Defense, rebounding, and playing for each otherthat’s Knicks basketball.”

Pacers in Peril?

All signs had pointed toward Indiana taking control of the series in their house. The Gainbridge Fieldhouse was rocking early on, with Myles Turner and Bennedict Mathurin combining for explosive spurts in the first half. But as the stakes rose, the Pacers’ offense grew stagnant and their defense porous.

Turner finished with 23 points and seven rebounds, while Mathurin added 19 off the benchbut neither could find answers for a Knicks team that clearly wanted it more. Coach Rick Carlisle lamented the lapses: “We didn’t match their physicality consistently. They took the game from us.”

Game 4: Pressure Mounts

With the Knicks now leading the series 2-1, the narrative shifts dramatically heading into Game 4. New York has reclaimed home-court advantage, and with momentum on their side, they’re sensing blood in the water.

For Indiana, Game 4 represents a must-win scenario. Falling behind 3-1 against this Knicks squadthick-skinned, deep, and increasingly confidentcould be fatal to their Finals dream.

Fans around the league are watching closely: Is this the return of Knicks relevancy deep in May? Or just a thrilling chapter in what’s shaping up to be a ferocious Eastern slugfest?

The Stat Sheet Doesn’t Lie

• Karl-Anthony Towns: 34 points, 12 rebounds, 3 assists
• Jalen Brunson: 18 points, 9 assists (off shooting night, but led late run)
• Josh Hart: 10 points, 11 rebounds, 4 blocks, endless hustle
• Myles Turner (Pacers): 23 points, 7 rebounds
• Bench Points: Knicks 36, Pacers 29

New York Makes Noise

With this win, the Knicks aren’t just back in front in the East Finalsthey’re back in the national conversation in a big way. For a franchise long treated as basketball’s sleeping giant, this isn’t just about standings. It’s about legacy. About belief. About the possibility of adding a new banner in Madison Square Garden.

Don’t look now, but the Knicks might be waking upand the Eastern Conference had better brace itself.

Game 4 tips off Wednesday night in Indianapolis. Buckle inthis series is far from done.