Rayan Rupert

Rupert is a French guard who reached the NBA through the 2023 draft after a developmental route that included French national-team pipelines, the New Zealand Breakers, and two seasons with the Portland Trail Blazers. He later joined the Memphis Grizzlies on a two-way contract, earning his first career triple-double in April 2026.

Born on May 31, 2004, Rupert graduated from the INSEP Academy in France, a premier developmental institution. He played for Centre Fédéral in the French NM1 between 2019 and 2021, then suited up for Pôle France in the same league during the 2021–22 season.

On June 10, 2022, Rupert signed with the New Zealand Breakers for the 2022–23 NBL season as part of the league's Next Stars program. The Breakers had previously produced fellow French prospects Hugo Besson and Ousmane Dieng, both selected in the 2022 NBA draft. The NBL stint gave Rupert exposure to professional basketball against grown competition before his draft-eligible year.

The Portland Trail Blazers selected Rupert 43rd overall in the 2023 NBA draft. He signed with Portland on July 4, 2023, and spent much of his first two seasons with the Rip City Remix, the Blazers' G League affiliate. He was waived by Portland on February 20, 2026.

Rupert signed a 10-day contract with the Memphis Grizzlies on February 22, 2026. Memphis converted the deal to a two-way contract on March 4. On April 5, 2026, he recorded his first career triple-double: 33 points, 10 rebounds, and 10 assists against Milwaukee, all career highs.

Rupert's father, Thierry, was a EuroLeague player and captain of the French national team. His sister, Iliana, was the 12th overall pick in the 2021 WNBA draft. His cousin, Kameron Jones, is a chemistry major at UMBC and a cancer survivor.

Rupert plays as a defensive-minded wing with length and basketball pedigree. His development through INSEP, the French third division, and the Australian NBL reflects a modern international prospect path. In the NBA, his role centers on perimeter defense, transition play, and incremental offensive expansion.