Overview
- France broke its single-draft record by placing six players on NBA rosters in 2025, surpassing previous highs of five in 2016 and 2024.
- Three French prospects were chosen in the first round: Noa Essengue at 12th to the Chicago Bulls, Joan Beringer at 17th to the Minnesota Timberwolves and Nolan Traoré at 19th to the Brooklyn Nets.
- In the second round, Noah Penda was selected 32nd overall by the Celtics and immediately traded to the Orlando Magic, Maxime Raynaud went 42nd to the Sacramento Kings and Mohamed Diawara was picked 51st by the Clippers before being sent to the New York Knicks.
- Orlando Magic president Jeff Weltman lauded Penda’s versatility, noting his ball-handling, passing ability and defensive strengths after acquiring his draft rights.
- All six selections will participate in the NBA Summer League to compete for roster spots and aim to exceed last season’s record of 14 French players in the league.