Next Star's First Round Projection Holds Firm

Thursday, May 18, 2023

With the NBA draft order set and the combine taking place, NBL Next Star Rayan Rupert has maintained his projection as a first-round selection.

With the NBA draft order set and the combine underway, NBL Next Star Rayan Rupert has maintained his projection as a first-round selection.

ESPN has Rupert slated as the 18^th pick to the Miami Heat, with draft expert Jonathan Givony writing “every team in the NBA is looking for players such as Rupert”.

“Rupert's defensive versatility and outstanding intangibles could be attractive to the Heat's front office, which has long been drawn to long-armed, versatile players in this mold who play a selfless style of basketball,” ESPN draft expert Jonathan Givony wrote.

“Every team in the NBA is looking for players such as Rupert who can wreak havoc defending all over the floor and hopefully provide enough floor spacing to offer a threat offensively.”

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">The NBA has released the following: <a href="https://t.co/j9Yqu2MwtB">pic.twitter.com/j9Yqu2MwtB</a></p>— NBA Communications (@NBAPR) <a href="https://twitter.com/NBAPR/status/1658653147051556864?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 17, 2023</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

Rupert is coming off a strong season with the New Zealand Breakers, earning his way into the team’s starting five during the Finals.

The 18-year-old averaged 5.9 points and 2.1 rebounds this season, but made a profound impact on games with his defensive versatility and intensity. He also grew in confidence and belief as the season progressed, with coach Mody Maor displaying more trust in the Frenchman.

The Athletic draft expert Sam Vecenie has Rupert projected as the 26^th selection to the Indiana Pacers.

“He was terrific as an aggressive, defensive-minded wing for a New Zealand Breakers team that made the NBL Finals this past season,” Vevenie wrote.

“At 6-7 with a 7-3 wingspan, Rupert has immense upside on that end. He’s laterally quick and aggressive, plus has strong instincts in help defense for a teenager. He’s a project, but the physical tools make him one with very real upside.”