Rayan Rupert shared his thoughts on his recent career moves, including his unexpected departure from Portland and his impactful transition to the Memphis Grizzlies. He expressed that he wasn’t surprised by Portland’s decision, viewing it as an opportunity to find a new team and prove himself. Rupert saw the move to Memphis as a chance for increased playing time and a fresh environment, which he felt was beneficial for a young player.
He highlighted that his decision to join the Grizzlies was driven by the promise of immediate playing time, contrasting it with other “two-way” contract offers he received. Rupert emphasized that he felt ready to play and approached the opportunity with a simple mindset: just play basketball and show his capabilities freely.
“Every game we start, we play to win.”
When discussing the shift from a limited role in a playoff-contending team to a more significant one in a lower-ranked team, Rupert stated that the drive to win remains constant in every game. Despite the challenges of losing, he embraced it as a chance to demonstrate his worth.
Rupert explained his evolution in roles, noting that in Portland, his minutes were limited, and his primary focus was defensive assignments, often tasked with slowing down the opposing offense. In Memphis, however, increased playing time afforded him more freedom, allowing his “natural game to come out,” which led to several strong performances.
He recounted his triple-double achievement, the seventh by a French player in the NBA, describing it as a game like any other. Driven by a desire to improve after a less aggressive previous game and with some teammates injured, Rupert focused on making better plays, leading to a strong performance with numerous rebounds, fast-break opportunities, and free throws. He attributed the success to being in the flow of the game.
Looking ahead, Rupert’s agent is handling discussions with franchises for the upcoming season, with free agency starting on July 1st. For now, Rupert is focused on the French national team and not overly concerned with NBA matters.
He also commented on the increasing number of tall, versatile French guards and forwards emerging, suggesting it reflects the quality of basketball development in France, both at the INSEP and other training centers. He believes this trend is highly beneficial for the French national team.
Comparing the situation to football’s “new Brazil,” Rupert believes France is carving its own identity in basketball, distinct from American playstyles. He stressed the importance of French basketball IQ and the strong training system.
Regarding his selection for the French national team, Rupert learned of it through his agent and a call from coach Freddy Fauthoux, who invited him to join the camp as a replacement. He expressed his pleasure in accepting the invitation.
His sister, Iliana Rupert, offered her support and congratulations but didn’t provide extensive advice, as he was already familiar with her experiences with the national team.
Rupert acknowledged the significance of his family’s potential representation in French basketball history, considering his father, sister, and brother-in-law. He expressed pride in this familial connection.
On his first national team gathering, Rupert feels a sense of needing to prove himself, similar to his arrival in Memphis. However, he recognizes that the national team represents something different—less business-oriented than the NBA, with a strong emphasis on the collective. He aims to learn from his teammates and the high level of Euroleague competition present in the squad.
He mentioned the group’s desire for revenge against Finland following a recent loss, though the immediate focus is on the upcoming game against Belgium. The memory of the previous defeat against Finland is a strong motivator for the team.
English Translation:
Rayan Rupert discussed his recent career developments, including his departure from Portland and his subsequent impactful move to the Memphis Grizzlies. He revealed that he was not surprised by Portland’s decision, viewing it as an opportunity to find a new team and showcase his abilities. Rupert considered the move to Memphis beneficial, offering more playing time and a new environment conducive to a young player’s growth.
He explained that his choice to join the Grizzlies was primarily motivated by the prospect of immediate playing time, which differentiated it from other “two-way” contract offers. Rupert emphasized his readiness to play and his approach to the opportunity: simply to play basketball freely and demonstrate his capabilities.
“Every game we start, we play to win.”
When asked about transitioning from a limited role on a playoff team to a more prominent one on a struggling team, Rupert stated that the winning mentality remains consistent in every game. He viewed any losses as opportunities to prove his worth.
Rupert elaborated on his evolving role, noting that in Portland, his minutes were restricted, and his main responsibilities were defensive, often focused on slowing down the opponent’s offense. In Memphis, however, increased playing time provided him with more freedom, allowing his “natural game to come out,” which resulted in several standout performances.
He recounted his triple-double achievement, the seventh by a French player in the NBA, describing it as just another game. Driven by a desire to perform better after a less aggressive previous outing and with some teammates sidelined, Rupert focused on making impactful plays, leading to a strong performance characterized by numerous rebounds, fast-break opportunities, and free throws. He attributed the success to being in rhythm with the game.
Regarding the future, Rupert’s agent is managing discussions with NBA franchises for the upcoming season, with free agency commencing on July 1st. At present, Rupert’s focus is on the French national team, with less attention given to NBA matters.
He also commented on the increasing trend of tall, versatile French guards and forwards emerging, suggesting it reflects the high quality of basketball development in France, from the INSEP to various training centers. He believes this trend significantly benefits the French national team.
When drawing parallels to football’s “new Brazil,” Rupert believes France is establishing its own distinct basketball identity, separate from American playing styles. He underscored the importance of French basketball IQ and the robust training system.
Rupert learned of his selection for the French national team through his agent and a call from coach Freddy Fauthoux, who invited him to join the camp as a replacement. He expressed his delight in accepting the invitation.
His sister, Iliana Rupert, offered her congratulations and support but did not provide extensive advice, as he was already well-acquainted with her national team experiences.
Rupert acknowledged the symbolic significance of his family’s potential representation in French basketball history, given his father, sister, and brother-in-law’s involvement. He expressed pride in this familial connection.
On his debut with the national team, Rupert feels a similar sense of needing to prove himself as he did upon arriving in Memphis. However, he recognizes that the national team represents a different dynamic—less commercial than the NBA, with a strong emphasis on teamwork. His goal is to demonstrate his abilities, learn from his teammates, and absorb the high level of Euroleague competition present in the squad.
He mentioned the team’s strong desire for revenge against Finland following a recent loss, although their immediate focus is on the upcoming game against Belgium. The memory of the previous defeat against Finland serves as a significant motivator for the team.
