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USA Today
6 days ago
- Sport
- USA Today
Frenchman Noa Essengue listed as a top-10 pick in one mock draft
Frenchman Noa Essengue listed as a top-10 pick in one mock draft Noa Essengue is considered one of the top international prospects in the 2025 NBA draft, and the Frenchman was recently listed as a top-10 pick in one mock draft. Essengue is averaging 10.8 points, 4.8 rebounds and 1.2 assists on 51.6% shooting from the field in 52 games with ratiopharm Ulm in the German League. He has scored at least 20 points six times, including a 21-point performance on May 17. The 6-foot-10 forward is considered a potential lottery pick, with his size, rebounding and defensive versatility. He has looked increasingly comfortable on offense, prompting Jonathan Wasserman to list him eighth in the latest mock draft on Bleacher Report. Big scoring outputs are becoming more common for Noa Essengue in the German BBL. The easy baskets off rim runs, cuts and offensive rebounds have been consistent all season. But he's looking more comfortable converting off self-created drives and knocking down rhythm threes. Essengue also boasts a strong interior game and dazzled in the open court in fastbreak situations after creating turnovers with his length and instincts on defense. He has played a key role, helping his team advance to the semifinals of the German League playoffs. The 18-year-old is among several international prospects considered possible first-round picks, along with the likes of Joan Beringer, Hugo González, Ben Saraf and Nolan Traoré, among others. He likely won't have the chance to work out for teams, with his team on a deep playoff run. Essengue projects to be able to fit in with several teams drafting in the lottery. He can do several things on the court and should only continue to improve at the next level. The draft will take place on June 25-26 at the Barclays Center in Brooklyn, New York.


Newsweek
22-04-2025
- Sport
- Newsweek
Lakers to be Down One Player for Game 2
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content. The Los Angeles Lakers are looking to come back after a devastating 117-95 loss to the Minnesota Timberwolves in Game 1 of the first round of the 2025 NBA Playoffs. In order to do so, they will need every member of their roster operating at the top of their abilities. More NBA: NBA Reacts to Warriors HC Steve Kerr's Historical Milestone Unfortunately, it appears they will be down one person. EL SEGUNDO, CALIFORNIA - FEBRUARY 04: (L-R) Markieff Morris, Luka Doncic and Maxi Kleber of the Los Angeles Lakers hold their new jerseys during a press conference at UCLA Health Training Center on February 04,... EL SEGUNDO, CALIFORNIA - FEBRUARY 04: (L-R) Markieff Morris, Luka Doncic and Maxi Kleber of the Los Angeles Lakers hold their new jerseys during a press conference at UCLA Health Training Center on February 04, 2025 in El Segundo, California. MoreAccording to the official NBA injury report, the Lakers will be missing power forward Maxi Kleber for Game 2 against the Timberwolves. Kleber is still recovering from right foot surgery after sustaining a fracture against the Boston Celtics on Jan. 25, 2025. There has been no update regarding when he will be returning. Lakers' injury report for Game 2 vs. MIN: — Jovan Buha (@jovanbuha) April 21, 2025 Kleber joined Los Angeles alongside power forward Markieff Morris and point guard Luka Doncic in the blockbuster trade that sent power forward Anthony Davis to the Dallas Mavericks. Kleber has yet to lace up for the Lakers. More NBA: Mavericks GM Nico Harrision Has Asinine Quote Regarding Luka Doncic's Impact in Dallas Kleber had a long career in Europe, playing for the Würzburg Baskets in Germany's Basketball Bundesliga league (2011-2014), Obradoiro CAB in Spain (2014-2015), and Bayern Munich (2015-2017). In 2017, Kleber was named to the All-EuroCup Second Team. He is also a two-time German League All-Star (2015, 2017), and was named All-German League Second Team and German League Most Effective Player in 2017. After going unselected in the 2014 NBA Draft, Kleber signed with the Mavericks on July 13, 2017. He made his NBA debut on Oct. 21, 2017, against the Houston Rockets. For nearly eight years, Kleber operated as a key rotation piece for Dallas off the bench, averaging 22.3 minutes played, 6.4 points, 4.4 total rebounds, 1.2 assists, 0.9 blocks, and 0.4 steals per game across 440 games, 151 of which he started. Kleber was a candidate for NBA Sixth Man of the Year for the 2021-22 NBA Regular Season. More NBA: 2025 Top Selling NBA Jerseys: Luka Dončić First International Player to Lead Jersey Sales The Timberwolves will also be down a player for Game 2. Guard Rob Dillingham will be missing due to a right ankle sprain. In his rookie season with Minnesota, Dillingham has averaged 10.5 minutes played, 4.5 points, two assists, one total rebound, and 0.4 steals per game across 49 games. More NBA: Celtics Star Jayson Tatum Shockingly Downgraded for Game 2 Matchup vs Magic Pacers vs Bucks Game 1: Indiana Dominates Milwaukee to Open Playoffs NBA Fans React to Wild Clippers vs Nuggets First Half of Game 1 For more Los Angeles Lakers and NBA news, head on over to Newsweek Sports.