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Nicolas Batum Elevates French Basketball With Rayan Rupert
USA Today Sports

Nicolas Batum Elevates French Basketball With Rayan Rupert

Originally posted on Last Word On Sports
By Pocholo Magsino  |  Last updated Dec 5, 2024 10:00 AM ET

Guard Rayan Rupert has become a promising piece in the Blazers rebuild.  That is due to his Nicolas Batum mentorship, who also learned in the Portland organization.

Nicolas Batum Elevates French Basketball With Rayan Rupert

The NBA has become a global league for its viewers and players. Superstars like Giannis Antetokounmpo, Nikola Jokic, and Luka Doncic hail from countries outside of North America. It has broadened the league’s horizons, as foreign players continue to showcase their talent.

France is a country that has constantly produced excellent NBA players. Tony Parker, Batum, and Rudy Gobert immediately come to mind. The nation has produced some strong names as of late with Victor Wembanyama and Bilal Coulibaly, and Rupert looks to be next in line with Portland.

Rupert is Learning Under the Batum Mentorship

Ahead of the 2023 NBA Draft, Rayan and Nico had similar paths as lesser-known prospects. Moreover, Rupert was a second-round pick, whereas Batum only received a late first-round selection. Despite the lower expectations, both still needed to develop in Rip City.

At one point, Batum got the label of being the worst player in the league. He used that tag to keep working harder and reach his level. For Rupert, he has progressed well from a seldom-used reserve to a regular rotation player in his second year.

Batum is Proud of How Rupert is Playing in the NBA

Rupert has shone for the Blazers in his sophomore season. Portland’s coaches have been invaluable to Rayan, and the Batum mentorship is a big deal. Even though the young wing is not dominating the league as a starter, the Blazers see him as an asset.

With Shaedon Sharpe and Toumani Camara playing ahead of him in the rotation, Rupert knows he must keep working. The youngster is playing 10.8 minutes per game, but he has done well with his performances. Rupert’s defense does not show up in the box score, but he is excellent at the perimeter.

That is reminiscent of how Batum plays because he always shone as a glue guy. They are both fantastic defenders, and Rayan has shown the potential to be a positive shooter and possibly a passer.

Rupert Has the Potential to Shine for Portland

Portland is in the midst of a lengthy Blazers rebuild. The team already has promising players like Sharpe, Donovan Clingan, and Scoot Henderson. Rupert could be part of that young core, as he must work hard and become a good rotational piece.

Rayan has good shot mechanics to shine as a shooter in the future. In the meantime, he is improving as a defender and has grown into a hard worker. That is where the Batum mentorship comes in, which could be valuable for French Basketball and its national team.

French Basketball Will Keep Growing

Rayan is not alone with French representation in the league. The promising Wembyanyama and Coulibaly lead the way, but names like Alex Sarr and Ousmane Dieng need mentions.

Rupert has a tough road ahead if he wants to exceed his countrymen. Fantastic players populate the NBA, but Rupert’s place in the Blazers rebuild could give him the opportunity to shine. The future is bright for players from France, and they should be showing love to Batum and his leadership.

The basketball world should be aware that France will keep producing NBA players. Les Bleus will be ready to fight for accolades and championships.

This article first appeared on Last Word On Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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