The Portland Trail Blazers have been exceeding expectations with their play to start the 2024-25 season. While it's an encouraging sign that they have multiple young players who appear ready to take that next step in their development, it's somewhat of a double-edged sword as they don't want to win too many games and fall in the 2025 draft lottery.
The Blazers are still a key piece or two away from being considered legitimate playoff contenders, and the easiest way to address that significant need is through the 2025 NBA Draft, which is expected to be loaded with talent. Here is the first version of what will be numerous mock drafts throughout the season as standings and prospects become clearer.
2025 NBA Mock Draft
Note: Draft order is based on team records entering Nov. 20 games
1. Washington Wizards select Cooper Flagg, F, Duke
2. Philadelphia 76ers select Ace Bailey, F, Rutgers
3. Toronto Raptors select Dylan Harper, G, Rutgers
4. Utah Jazz select VJ Edgecombe, G, Baylor
5. New Orleans Pelicans select Khaman Maluach, C, Duke
6. Charlotte Hornets select Tre Johnson, G, Texas
7. Brooklyn Nets (via Bucks) select Egor Demin, G/F, BYU
8. Brooklyn Nets select Nolan Traore, G, Saint-Quentin
9. Chicago Bulls select Collin Murray-Boyles, F, South Carolina
10. Indiana Pacers select Kon Knueppel, F, Duke
11. Portland Trail Blazers select Noa Essengue, F, Ratiopharm Ulm
12. Minnesota Timberwolves (via Pistons) select Liam McNeeley, F, Connecticut
13. Oklahoma City Thunder (via Heat) select Drake Powell, G, North Carolina
14. San Antonio Spurs (via Hawks) select Boogie Fland, G, Arkansas
15. San Antonio Spurs select Ben Saraf, G, Ratiopharm Ulm
16. Oklahoma City Thunder (via Clippers) select Asa Newell, F/C, Georgia
17. Memphis Grizzlies select Nique Clifford, F, Colorado State
18. Atlanta Hawks (via Kings) select Hugo González Peña, F, Real Madrid
19. Dallas Mavericks select Adou Thiero, F, Arkansas
20. Brooklyn Nets (via Knicks) select Will Riley, G/F, Illinois
21. Utah Jazz (via Timberwolves) select Kasparas Jakucionis, F, Illinois
22. Orlando Magic select Jalil Bethea, F, Miami
23. Houston Rockets (via Suns) select Carter Bryant, F, Arizona
24. Orlando Magic (via Nuggets) select Labaron Philon, PG, Alabama
25. Brooklyn Nets (via Rockets) select Noah Penda, F, Le Mans Sarthe Basket
26. Atlanta Hawks (via Lakers) select Rocco Zikarsky, C, Brisbane
27. Los Angeles Clippers (via Thunder) select Alex Karaban, F, Connecticut
28. Golden State Warriors select Jamir Watkins, F, Florida State
29. Boston Celtics select Ryan Kalkbrenner, C, Creighton
30. Utah Jazz (via Cavaliers) select Ian Jackson, G, North Carolina
How would Essengue fit in with the Blazers?
GM Joe Cronin has emphasized building a team identity based on athleticism, versatility, and size. From that standpoint, the 6-foot-9 Essengue would fit in seamlessly with what Portland is trying to accomplish early on in their rebuild -- stockpiling as much talent as possible with players that have high upside and fit their identity.
Essengue is a relatively raw prospect as a 17-year-old who doesn't shoot the ball particularly well and hasn't yet been able to ascend to the level of being a go-to player. But it would be great value for the Blazers as a late lottery pick. Their frontcourt defense between Toumani Camara, Donovan Clingan, Essengue, and potentially still Matisse Thybulle would be a scary foundation on that end of the court.
Hopefully, Portland will find a way to lose more games later on in the season to position itself for a draft pick closer to the top five. But if they continue to exceed expectations, Essengue is someone they should strongly consider targeting.