2025 NBA Draft: Noa Essengue and Nolan Traoré invited to the Green Room

The NBA has announced six new invitations to its famous Green Room for the 2025 Draft. Among these lucky selectees are two French players: Noa Essengue and Nolan Traoré, joining the elite prospects expected to go in the first round.

NEWS: French forward Noa Essengue has received a green room invite to attend the NBA Draft with his family, a source told ESPN. pic.twitter.com/1EdThfiCaE

— Jonathan Givony (@DraftExpress) June 16, 2025

This prestigious invitation brings the total number of players invited to the VIP waiting room at the Barclays Center to 19, where prospects wait with their families while Commissioner Adam Silver announces the selections. The two French players join headliners Cooper Flagg, Dylan Harper, Ace Bailey, and VJ Edgecombe, who were invited last week.

Joan Beringer to join them soon?

According to the latest expert predictions, Noa Essengue could be selected in the Top 10, while Nolan Traoré is expected around the 25th pick. However, uncertainty remains about Essengue’s attendance, as the playoff finals in Germany could end on June 26, the day after the first round of the Draft.

NEWS: French guard Nolan Traore has received a green room invite to attend the NBA Draft with his family, a source told ESPN. pic.twitter.com/rofG94RFbI

— Jonathan Givony (@DraftExpress) June 16, 2025

The four other new invitees are Collin Murray-Boyles, Thomas Sorber, Liam McNeeley, and Will Riley. According to ESPN, five additional invitations are expected to be sent this week, bringing the final total to 24 players. A third French player, Joan Beringer, could be among these final invitees.

This selection results from a rigorous process where team executives with first-round picks establish a list of 25 players they believe are likely to be selected. While this invitation doesn’t guarantee being called by Adam Silver, it’s an excellent indicator of top prospect status.

The 2025 Draft will take place over two days: the first round will be held on June 25 at the Barclays Center in New York, while the second round will take place on June 26 at ESPN studios. This enhanced French presence demonstrates the rising prominence of French basketball on the international stage.