Rayan Rupert

Rupert has always been sold on tools over production — a long, competitive French wing whose plus-length and point-of-attack defense were the draw when Portland took him 43rd in 2023 after a Next Stars season with the NBL's New Zealand Breakers. For two years the offense lagged the defense. Then came a revealing stretch: waived by Portland in February 2026, he latched on with Memphis and, given real minutes across 16 games (eight starts), posted 12.2 points and 6.4 rebounds a night while still defending his position. It was the clearest sign yet that the scoring might catch up to the frame. Philadelphia bought the upside, signing him to a two-way in July 2026. Twin of WNBA forward Iliana Rupert, he's still betting on trajectory over track record.