At #43, Blazers select Rayan Rupert

Even Batum sees the similarity:

 

I remember when we draft Batum.

I thought his name was pronounced like Tatum with a B.

 

I don't buy that he'll get to Nic's level.

Even if you view the shooting projection coming in a wash between the two, Nic was a far better finisher and athlete coming in. Rayan is more advanced with the ball at the same age but feel like Nic was quicker, and his simple handle was more than good enough for his role.

Defensively, Rayan has a more aggressive mentality. More flexible and could actually get into a stance. But I think Nic's feet were a tick quicker with better footwork and had better tools to stay in the play and contest.

Both were a little underwhelming as off the ball defenders but I'd give Nic the edge here with the better shot blocking ability.

 

Love it!

 

I had to look up some old video to refresh my mind. Batum was way ahead of where Rupert is now that is for sure. I didn't realize the difference until watching the video.

 

This was Nico at age 23 during the NBA lockout in 2011. A full 4 yrs older than Rupert is now.

 

Oh okay. I thought it was before he came over. I wondered because I thought he was skinnier when he first arrived. Thanks.

 

Ok 2007 Batum. Still bigger than I remembered.

 

Rupe was so raw on offense and folded under pressure. But, he has excellent physical tools and dimensions to pair with his extreme work ethic.

to be honest I wouldn’t normally hold out much hope for someone this raw but Scoot will really help rupe recognize and read the floor better. Scoot is so vocal and inspiring that, along with rupes work ethic, I expect a bright future.

 

Rupert has at least as long of a way to go than Batum did. It even looks like he needs to grow into his feet!
His defense is serious. Not that he can play D at an NBA level yet … but certain skills, timing, pressure — stud.

His body needs work. Strength. (Batum already moved effortlessly as a rookie). Work on conditioning and effort in quickening those feet a little. Everything on offense. BUT he can become a player every team wants and players hate to play against because he makes them look bad.

It’s too much to put on a #43 player and the Batum comparisons maybe not … but he may just make life so much easier for Shaedon as a defense-first guy.

 

I think you are spot on. He will be fine at the end of the bench this year and hopefully he figures out enough on the offensive side to earn some minutes.

I wouldn’t be surprised to find out next year that he’s grown a couple more inches,

 

If Rupert reaches his ceiling or near it, that's a very long, tenacious, point-of-attack defender.

 

He'll practice against Thybulle which should be great experience for him.

 

Scoot, Shaedon, Rayan, and Kris could be the best young core in the NBA after a season or two.

I know Scoot and Rayan are extreme workaholics, and Kris is solid fundamentally. He can be counted on.

Hopefully all of that can propel Shaedon to reach his ultimate ceiling.

 

This is all I’m hoping for, and a decent 3 point shot so he can stay on the floor. Anything else would be a bonus.

 

Like Thybulle, who shot 39% on 3-pointers as a Trail Blazer, starting and playing 22 games at 28 minutes per game.

 

Imagine Scoot, Sharpe, Thybulle/Rupert, Grant/Murray with a top-notch, young center gained in a Dame trade.

If Cronin could do that, he should get some kind of Harry Potter wizardry award.

 

Marang says the Blazers told him that Rupert grew an inch since the draft and he’s up to 6’8 in shoes.

 

Danny blows a lot of smoke, but I actually might believe that. I will admit that I was a little surprised by how big Rupert was when I saw him at fanfest and genuinely wondered if he had grown since last year. He certainly fit in a bit more height-wise with Murray and Camara than Thybulle and Sharpe. Long term, he is intriguing.