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The NBA playoffs aren’t even over yet but there are plenty of people already paying attention to what comes next: the 2023 NBA Draft.
This year’s draft will definitely be one to watch, with multiple major college and G League stars declaring their intentions to join the league.
And there are a few international stars on the rise too.
In fact, the supposed top pick is Victor Wembanyama, the young man from France who seems to do everything on the court.
But he isn’t the only French player making his way to the draft.
Jonathan Givony is reporting that French wing Rayan Rupert has declared for the draft.
Rupert is 6-foot-7 with a 7-3 wingspan and has “significant two-way potential with his strong feel for the game.”
NEWS: French wing Rayan Rupert, a potential lottery pick, has declared for the 2023 NBA draft, he told ESPN. Rupert has elite dimensions at 6’7 with a 7’3 wingspan, showing significant two-way potential with his strong feel for the game.
STORY: https://t.co/yirn8gA5BK pic.twitter.com/eA7yIVj0Iv
— Jonathan Givony (@DraftExpress) April 19, 2023
According to ESPN’s draft projections, Rupert is the No. 17 overall prospect in June’s draft.
During his time overseas, he has made a name for himself with the New Zealand Breakers, a team that went all the way to the finals in the Australian league.
He was a starter for the team and a very important part of their success despite being just 18 years old.
Rupert, like Wembanyama, is a very tall, thin player who is capable of working all over the court.
That will definitely make him attractive to many teams.
However, he has also suffered a physical setback that could raise eyebrows and cause hesitation in the Association.
He needed surgery after he broke the wrist in his shooting hand in November.
He missed two months of play because of the injury.
All of this will be taken into consideration as the draft approaches.
Even with this injury, Rupert will probably be playing in the league next season.
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