Sixers Two-Way Wing Development
Philadelphia 76ers Secure Rayan Rupert on Two-Way Deal for Wing Development
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Key Points
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In Memphis last season, Rupert appeared in 16 games with the Grizzlies, logging heavy minutes (30.9 per game) and posting 12.2 points, 6.4 rebounds, 2.1 assists and 1.6 steals, illustrating a notable late-season stretch with extended opportunity.
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Across 155 NBA games over three seasons with the Blazers and Grizzlies, Rupert has averaged 14.0 minutes, 4.1 points and 2.3 rebounds (with 20 starts), indicating prior experience as a depth rotation player at the NBA level.
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Rupert is a 2023 second-round pick from Strasbourg, France, who also played for the New Zealand Breakers; his basketball pedigree extends to a sister in the WNBA (Iliana) and a father (Thierry) who played in the EuroLeague.
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The signing marks the Sixers’ first two-way addition of the offseason and continues a track record of two-way players earning standard contracts, with prior examples such as Dominick Barlow, Jabari Walker and Dalen Terry.
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Rupert’s elite 7-foot-3 wingspan and ability to play both forward spots give the Sixers a versatile wing option and a potential long-term asset as development progresses.
The Philadelphia 76ers have signed Rayan Rupert to a two-way contract, adding a long, versatile wing to their roster ahead of the new season. NBC Philadelphia reported the deal shortly after the Sixers also agreed to terms with Anfernee Simons, signaling an active stretch of roster-building in Philadelphia.
Rupert, a 6-foot-7 wing with a 7-foot-3 wingspan, brings real NBA experience to the deal. He appeared in 155 games over three seasons with the Portland Trail Blazers and Memphis Grizzlies, averaging 14.0 minutes, 4.1 points and 2.3 rebounds per game.
A Late-Season Surge Caught Philly's Attention
Rupert's most impressive stretch came late last season with Memphis. In 16 games with the Grizzlies, he averaged 30.9 minutes per game — a major jump in opportunity. He posted 12.2 points, 6.4 rebounds, 2.1 assists and 1.6 steals per night. Those are starter-level numbers, and they made scouts take notice.
That kind of production on a bigger stage was key. The Sixers saw a player who could handle extended minutes and produce across multiple stat categories. His 7-foot-3 wingspan — rare even by NBA standards — makes him a threat on both ends of the floor.
Two-Way Contract Opens a Door Without Locking One
A two-way contract lets Rupert split time between the 76ers and their G League affiliate. It does not count as a full roster spot. That setup lets Philadelphia develop Rupert without a long-term commitment. It is a low-risk, high-upside move for the front office.
The Sixers have used this path before. Players like Dominick Barlow, Jabari Walker and Dalen Terry all started on two-way deals and later earned standard contracts. Philadelphia is betting Rupert follows the same road.
A Basketball Family with Global Roots
Rupert is a 2023 second-round pick from Strasbourg, France. Before the NBA, he played for the New Zealand Breakers. Basketball runs deep in his family. His sister Iliana plays in the WNBA. His father Thierry played in the EuroLeague. The pedigree is real.
His ability to play both small and power forward gives Philadelphia flexibility. The Sixers can use him as a matchup piece or a developmental wing depending on the night. That versatility is exactly what teams look for in two-way players.
Sixers Build Depth with an Eye on the Future
This is the Sixers' first two-way signing of the offseason. NBC Philadelphia noted it came alongside reported moves for other players, showing Philadelphia is moving quickly to build out its depth chart. The front office is clearly focused on finding young, cheap talent with upside.
Rupert is 22 years old. He is not expected to be a star right away. But if he develops the way his late-season Grizzlies run suggested he could, he might earn a standard deal sooner than expected. The Sixers are playing the long game.
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