The Brooklyn Nets are projected to select New Zealand Breakers guard Rayan Rupert with the 22nd pick in the 2023 NBA Draft, according to the latest mock draft done by Cody Taylor of The Rookie Wire. The Breakers are part of the National Basketball League (NBL) based in New Zealand.
Rupert, 18, played one season in the NBL and averaged 6.6 points, 2.5 rebounds, and 1.0 assists per game while shooting 36.4% from the field and 25% from three-point land. He played just 19.7 minutes per game, but it’s possible that he could have played more if it wasn’t for a wrist injury that put him out of action for about two months.
Rupert, 6’7″, 192 LBs, brings ball-handling and defensive potential to the table thanks to his wingspan at the guard position. The main weakness of Rupert is shooting the basketball, but that is something that can be improved over time. The potential of what Rupert could be in the future could be enticing for the Nets as they enter a critical offseason for the direction of their franchise. Here’s what Taylor had to say about Rupert:
“Rupert, who was born in France, averaged 5.9 points and 2.1 rebounds on 35% shooting from the field with the NZ Breakers in the NBL. He missed nearly two months of action early in the season due to a wrist injury but returned on Jan. 3. He has shown the ability to penetrate into the paint and kick it out when necessary.
On the other end, his 7-foot-3 wingspan and strong instincts can often create havoc in the passing lanes. He will need to improve on his shooting and overall offensive package, but it is his defense and overall potential that teams will covet. He is training in Dallas and already looks to be busy working on those areas.”
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