Rayan Rupert Would Add Pesky Defense to Thunder Roster

Overseas prospects have been fairly positive for Oklahoma City when it comes to the draft.

Josh Giddey is already one of the top players on the Thunder’s roster out of the NBL and Ousmane Dieng has progressed well during his short time in the league.

This year another talented NBL product could make his way into the Thunder’s organization. Rayan Rupert is the No. 21 prospect in the draft according to Sports Illustrated.

He’s not typically mocked to be drafted in the lottery, but history shows that teams like OKC aren’t afraid to draft someone early if they want them.

Rupert enters the draft out of the New Zealand Breakers, the same team that current Thunder rookie Dieng played for before entering the NBA.

Rupert’s a dynamic wing who’s strongest point is his ability to defend and pressure opposing offenses. Rupert also has an intriguing 3-point ability, despite his shaky percentages with the Breakers.

Defensively though is where Rupert truly shines. His 7-foot-3 wingspan helps him as an aggressive on-ball defender. His length helps him defend every position effectively with the exception of most bigger fives. He has the habit of picking up fouls at times and can be undisciplined, but overall he’s a pesky defender with huge upside.

Rupert is just 19-years-old, but can play great team defense off the ball to pair with his abilities to guard the ball. He became a wall against opposing teams in the NBL.

For Oklahoma City more length defensively, especially from a wing is a need. Rupert would fit well with the defensive likes of Lu Dort and Jalen Williams who are also pesky on-ball defenders.

Offensively Rupert is still raw, but has shown flashes of his ceiling and abilities as a shot maker. If Rupert lands in the right system where he can focus on his offensive development while being used for his strong defense, he’ll fit right into the league.

Oklahoma City is no stranger to developing rookies and molding them into more all-around players in their rotation. The Thunder are also in a position where they can take on a developmental rookie as their rotation is coming off a huge season.

Overall Rupert is a raw prospect who could be a solid piece to add to the rotation for the Thunder. He provides depth at the wing and would infuse the rotation with another pesky defender who can shutdown offenses. 

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