Rayan Rupert Bio
Rayan Rupert is a French professional basketball player currently signed with the Memphis Grizzlies of the National Basketball Association (NBA) on a two-way contract with the Memphis Hustle of the NBA G League. Born on May 31, 2004, in Strasbourg, France, Rupert began his professional journey in France playing for Centre Fédéral and later Pôle France before joining the New Zealand Breakers as part of the NBL Next Stars program. The Portland Trail Blazers selected him with the 43rd overall pick in the 2023 NBA Draft. His basketball lineage runs deep through his family, with his father Thierry having played at the EuroLeague level and served as captain of the French national team.
Early Life and Background
Rayan Rupert was born in Strasbourg, France, on May 31, 2004, and grew up immersed in basketball. His father, Thierry Rupert, was a accomplished EuroLeague player who also captained the French national team, providing Rayan with early exposure to elite-level basketball. His sister, Iliana Rupert, also pursued basketball professionally and was selected 12th overall in the 2021 WNBA Draft. The family heritage includes Martiniquais and Moroccan descent, reflecting the diverse background that shaped his early development.
Rupert attended INSEP Academy in France, one of the country’s premier development institutions for basketball talent. The academy has produced numerous professional players and provided Rupert with a strong foundation in both academics and athletics. During his time at INSEP, he honed his skills against other promising young players while receiving specialized training to prepare for a professional career.
Path to Professional Basketball
Before joining INSEP Academy, Rupert represented France at the FIBA U16 European Championship in 2019, gaining valuable international experience at the youth level. This tournament exposure helped showcase his abilities on the European stage and contributed to his development trajectory. The combination of academy training and international competition prepared him for the transition to professional basketball.
Following his development years in France’s youth system, Rupert advanced through the French basketball pipeline by playing for Centre Fédéral in the NM1 league from 2019 to 2021. He then continued his progression with Pôle France during the 2021-2022 season, still competing in the NM1. These formative professional years allowed him to develop his game against older, more experienced competition while building the foundation for his future career.
Rayan Rupert Career
New Zealand Breakers Breakthrough (2022–2023)
On June 10, 2022, Rupert signed with the New Zealand Breakers for the 2022-23 NBL season as part of the league’s prestigious Next Stars program. The Breakers organization had previously developed French players Hugo Besson and Ousmane Dieng, who were both selected in the 2022 NBA Draft. This track record made the Breakers an attractive destination for Rupert seeking high-level professional exposure before entering the NBA Draft.
The NBL Next Stars program allowed Rupert to compete against professional players in a competitive league while continuing his development. Playing in New Zealand provided him with international experience in a different basketball culture and style of play. The exposure to the Australian and New Zealand basketball scene helped prepare him for the physical demands of the NBA.
Portland Trail Blazers Era (2023–2026)
Rupert was selected by the Portland Trail Blazers in the second round of the 2023 NBA Draft with the 43rd overall pick. On July 4, 2023, he officially signed with the Trail Blazers, marking his entry into the NBA. Throughout his rookie and sophomore seasons with the organization, Rupert was frequently assigned to the Rip City Remix, the team’s NBA G League affiliate, to receive additional playing time and development opportunities.
The assignment to the G League allowed Rupert to gain valuable court time and experience the professional game at a high level. The Trail Blazers organization invested in his long-term development, using the two-way structure to balance his NBA exposure with consistent playing opportunities. Rupert was waived by the Trail Blazers on February 20, 2026, concluding his tenure with the franchise.
Memphis Grizzlies Era (2026–Present)
On February 22, 2026, just two days after being waived by Portland, Rupert was signed to a 10-day contract by the Memphis Grizzlies. Following the expiration of that initial deal, the Grizzlies signed him to a two-way contract on March 4, 2026, securing his services for the remainder of the season with the organization. This opportunity represented a fresh start and new chapter in Rupert’s NBA career.
On April 5, 2026, Rupert recorded his first career triple-double, compiling 33 points, 10 rebounds, and 10 assists in a game against the Milwaukee Bucks. All three statistics represented career highs at that point in his career. Although the Grizzlies lost to the Bucks 115-131, the performance marked a significant milestone in Rupert’s professional development and demonstrated his ability to contribute across multiple statistical categories.
Driving Style and Strengths
Rayan Rupert plays the shooting guard and small forward positions, listed at 6 feet 7 inches and 205 pounds. His height and length at the guard position provide versatility on both ends of the floor. Coming from a basketball family with his father Thierry’s EuroLeague experience and his sister Iliana’s professional career, Rupert benefited from genetic athletic traits and basketball intelligence passed down through generations. His development through the French youth system and the NBL Next Stars program shaped his professional approach to the game.
Notable Events and Milestones
Rupert’s career milestones include his selection in the 2023 NBA Draft, his progression through the French development system, and his first triple-double performance with the Memphis Grizzlies. The triple-double marked a turning point in his career, demonstrating his all-around game and ability to impact winning in multiple ways. His selection by the Trail Blazers in the second round validated his development path through France and New Zealand.
Rayan Rupert Career Statistics
Throughout his professional career, Rupert has competed in various leagues including the French NM1, the NBL with New Zealand Breakers, the NBA G League with Rip City Remix, and currently the NBA with the Memphis Grizzlies. His career trajectory shows progression from development leagues to consistent NBA minutes.
Professional Career Highlights
Rupert’s professional career spans multiple countries and leagues. His time with Centre Fédéral and Pôle France in the French NM1 provided foundational professional experience. The highlight of his career thus far came with the Memphis Grizzlies when he recorded his first career triple-double with 33 points, 10 rebounds, and 10 assists against the Milwaukee Bucks. His selection to the 2023 NBA Draft as the 43rd overall pick represented the culmination of his development journey through the French system and the NBL.
Rayan Rupert Family
Family Background and Basketball Lineage
Rayan Rupert comes from a distinguished basketball family with multiple generations of professional experience. His father, Thierry Rupert, was a EuroLeague player who served as captain of the French national team. This basketball heritage provided Rayan with early access to elite coaching, training methods, and competitive mentality from a young age. The family’s deep roots in basketball contributed significantly to Rayan’s development and understanding of the game at the professional level.
Personal Life
Beyond his immediate family, Rupert’s extended family includes notable athletes. His sister, Iliana Rupert, was selected 12th overall in the 2021 WNBA Draft, making her a professional basketball player as well and continuing the family’s basketball tradition. His cousin, Kameron Jones, is a chemistry major at UMBC and a cancer survivor, representing the family’s achievements outside of basketball. This strong support system and athletic family background have contributed to Rayan’s professional development and career trajectory.
2025 Season Performance
During the 2025 season, Rupert continued his development with the Portland Trail Blazers organization while receiving assignments to the Rip City Remix in the G League. The season represented a crucial developmental period as he worked to establish himself as a consistent NBA contributor. His combination of size, skill, and basketball IQ made him a player with long-term potential for the franchise.
Throughout the season, Rupert split time between the NBA and G League, using each opportunity to refine different aspects of his game. The Trail Blazers coaching staff focused on developing his offensive consistency and defensive awareness at the professional level. His assignments to the Rip City Remix provided valuable playing time in game situations that accelerated his professional adaptation.