Even if his name is obviously mentioned less than those of Victor Wembanyama and Bilal Coulibaly, Rayan Rupert (2m00, 19 years old) could be the 3rd Frenchman in this 2023 Draft chosen in the first round. Even if his camp was very discreet about the tests carried out, we know that he was seen by the Jazz and the Pacers, and we must now add the Hawks.
A look at the first-round draw shows that Atlanta has the 15th pick, just ahead of Utah and its 16th pick. In addition to the 7th choice, which they could exchange to recover a renowned winger, the Pacers also have the 26th and 29th choice.
Mikal Bridges as a role model
During his time in Indianapolis, the son of the late Thierry Rupert and brother of Iliana, had highlighted his defensive qualities, like his models Kawhi Leonard and especially Mikal Bridges, whose constant progress and his two-way player side.
“I like to take advantage of my stature to change in defense”, said Rupert after his workout. “I bring a lot of energy to my teammates. If I want to get playing time in the NBA next year and have a good career, it will be thanks to my defense.
Compared to his direct competitors for a place in the first round, Rupert has the advantage of arriving from a professional league, the NBL, under the colors of the New Zealand Breakers.
“It was an extraordinary experience. I played very far from my country. I was playing against adults” he recalls. “The Australian league is a physical league with very good players. It was a great experience that helped me as a player and as a person. »
