The 2025 draft class is deep with intriguing prospects beyond just the headliners, and the Portland Trail Blazers are in an excellent position to add another building block to their young core at pick No. 11. One player they should strongly consider, should he be available, is Noa Essengue.
Depending on what they decide to do with Anfernee Simons this summer, a future starting five of Scoot Henderson, Shaedon Sharpe, Toumani Camara, Deni Avdija, and Donovan Clingan is beginning to emerge in Rip City. That gives the Trail Blazers the flexibility to take the best player available.
Given their situation, that could mean taking a flier to land that future star they are still seeking. Portland eventually needs to take a few gambles to catch up to the other juggernauts in the Western Conference, and there may be no better high-upside swing than Essengue.
Blazers need to prioritize upside in the draft
Due to his improved play with Ratiopharm Ulm, Essengue is rapidly climbing up draft boards, with ESPN draft analyst Jonathan Givony recently ranking him at No. 9, a five-spot increase. Despite being relatively raw and the second youngest player in the draft (three days older than Cooper Flagg), Essengue has impressively already found ways to contribute to winning basketball at a professional level. He averages 12.4 points, 5.3 rebounds, 1.1 assists, and 1.4 steals per game on 56/29/73 shooting splits with Ulm.
Essengue is a baby Giannis Antetokounmpo in terms of his frame as a 6-foot-9 forward with a 6-foot-11 wingspan and a 9-foot-3 standing reach. That has already translated to Essengue's ability to get to the free-throw line and be a threat in transition, which would fit with the Trail Blazers' emphasis on pushing the tempo with Deni Avdija leading the charge.
Similarly to Giannis, Essengue may need a few years to bulk up, but Portland can afford to be patient with his development. Essengue could eventually become a force on the defensive end as someone who can guard multiple positions, strengthening the identity Joe Cronin has been building in Rip City.
It also doesn't hurt that Portland has already had a close look at Essengue in their exhibition game versus Ratiopharm Ulm, where he stood out with 20 points, eight rebounds, three assists, and two steals.
By the time June 25th rolls around, his stock may be too rich to last until the No. 11 pick. It wouldn't be surprising if a rebuilding team like the Brooklyn Nets takes a swing at No. 8 or the Toronto Raptors steal him at No. 9 as he perfectly fits what they value.
But should he remain on the board when Portland is on the clock, Essengue's upside will be very difficult to pass up.