Nicolas Batum’s Thoughts on Rayan Rupert’s Draft Selection

Nicolas Batum, a former small forward for the Portland Trail Blazers, recently shared his thoughts on the team’s decision to draft Rayan Rupert in the second round of the 2021 NBA Draft. Batum, who played for the Blazers from 2008 to 2015, expressed his excitement for the young French guard and his potential to make an impact on the team.

Batum, who is also from France, has been following Rupert’s career closely and believes that he has the talent and work ethic to succeed in the NBA. In an interview with French sports publication L’Equipe, Batum praised Rupert’s versatility and ability to play multiple positions on the court.

“He’s a very good player, very versatile,” Batum said. “He can play both guard positions, he can shoot, he can defend. He’s a complete player.”

Batum also noted that Rupert’s experience playing in the French league will give him an advantage as he transitions to the NBA. “He’s played against some of the best players in Europe, so he knows what it takes to compete at a high level,” Batum said.

Rupert, who is just 19 years old, has already made a name for himself in the French league. He played for the Paris Basketball team last season and averaged 6.8 points, 2.3 rebounds, and 1.5 assists per game. He also shot 38.5% from three-point range, showcasing his ability to knock down shots from beyond the arc.

Batum believes that Rupert’s shooting ability will be a valuable asset for the Blazers, who struggled with three-point shooting last season. “He’s a very good shooter, and that’s something that the Blazers need,” Batum said. “They need guys who can knock down shots from the outside and spread the floor.”

In addition to his shooting, Rupert’s defensive skills also caught Batum’s attention. “He’s a very good defender, and that’s something that the Blazers value,” Batum said. “They like guys who can defend multiple positions and switch on screens.”

Batum’s endorsement of Rupert is not surprising, given his own success as a French player in the NBA. Batum was drafted by the Houston Rockets in 2008 and was traded to the Blazers on draft night. He quickly became a fan favorite in Portland, thanks to his versatile play and his ability to speak French with the team’s French fans.

Batum played for the Blazers for seven seasons before being traded to the Charlotte Hornets in 2015. He has since played for the Los Angeles Clippers and the Dallas Mavericks, but he still has a special place in his heart for the Blazers and their fans.

“I loved playing in Portland,” Batum said. “The fans are amazing, and the city is great. I still follow the team closely and I’m excited to see what they can do this season.”

With Batum’s endorsement and Rupert’s impressive skills, Blazers fans have reason to be optimistic about the team’s future. While Rupert may not make an immediate impact, he has the potential to become a valuable player for the Blazers in the years to come.

Trail Blazers’ Draft Pick Rayan Rupert: How He Fits into the Team According to Nicolas Batum

The Portland Trail Blazers have made a significant addition to their roster with the drafting of Rayan Rupert. The 6’9″ forward from France has been making waves in the European basketball scene, and his arrival in the NBA has been highly anticipated. Nicolas Batum, a former Trail Blazer and fellow Frenchman, has shared his thoughts on how Rupert will fit into the team.

Batum, who played for the Trail Blazers from 2008 to 2015, has been keeping a close eye on Rupert’s progress. In an interview, he praised the young player’s versatility and athleticism, saying that he has the potential to be a valuable asset to the team. Batum also noted that Rupert’s experience playing in Europe will give him an advantage in adapting to the NBA’s style of play.

Rupert’s size and skill set make him a natural fit for the Trail Blazers’ system. He has the ability to play multiple positions, which will give the team more flexibility in their lineups. His athleticism and quickness will also allow him to contribute on both ends of the court. Batum believes that Rupert’s defensive abilities will be particularly valuable, as the Trail Blazers have struggled with their defense in recent years.

One of the challenges that Rupert will face is adjusting to the physicality of the NBA. European basketball tends to be more finesse-oriented, while the NBA is known for its physicality and athleticism. However, Batum is confident that Rupert will be able to make the transition smoothly. He noted that Rupert has been working hard to improve his strength and conditioning, which will help him compete at the NBA level.

Another factor that will play a role in Rupert’s success is his mentality. Batum emphasized the importance of having a strong work ethic and a positive attitude, both on and off the court. He believes that Rupert has the right mindset to succeed in the NBA, and that his dedication and focus will help him overcome any challenges he may face.

Overall, Batum is optimistic about Rupert’s future with the Trail Blazers. He sees him as a player who can contribute immediately, while also having the potential to develop into a star in the future. Batum’s own experience as a French player in the NBA gives him a unique perspective on what it takes to succeed in the league, and his endorsement of Rupert is a promising sign for Trail Blazers fans.

As the NBA season approaches, all eyes will be on Rayan Rupert and his performance with the Trail Blazers. With the support of Nicolas Batum and the rest of the team, he has the potential to make a significant impact and help lead the Trail Blazers to success.

Nicolas Batum’s Expectations for Rayan Rupert’s Rookie Season with the Trail Blazers

Nicolas Batum, a former small forward for the Portland Trail Blazers, recently shared his thoughts on the team’s decision to draft Rayan Rupert in the 2021 NBA Draft. Batum, who played for the Trail Blazers from 2008 to 2015, has a unique perspective on the team’s drafting process and what it takes for a rookie to succeed in the league.

Batum expressed his excitement for Rupert, a 6’9″ forward from France, and believes that he has the potential to make an impact in his rookie season. Batum noted that Rupert has a versatile skill set and can play multiple positions, which will be valuable for the Trail Blazers as they look to improve their roster.

However, Batum also acknowledged that the transition from playing overseas to the NBA can be challenging for rookies. He emphasized the importance of patience and hard work, stating that “it takes time to adjust to the speed and physicality of the NBA.”

Batum also highlighted the importance of having a strong support system, both on and off the court. He noted that the Trail Blazers have a great coaching staff and veteran players who can help guide Rupert through his rookie season.

In terms of Rupert’s specific role on the team, Batum believes that he can contribute in a variety of ways. He noted that Rupert has a strong outside shot and can also play solid defense, which will be valuable for the Trail Blazers as they look to improve their perimeter shooting and overall defensive performance.

Batum also emphasized the importance of Rupert’s mentality and work ethic. He noted that “the NBA is a grind, and you have to be mentally tough to succeed.” He believes that Rupert has the right mindset and work ethic to succeed in the league, and that he will continue to improve as he gains more experience.

Overall, Batum is optimistic about Rupert’s potential and believes that he can make a significant impact in his rookie season. He emphasized the importance of patience, hard work, and having a strong support system, and believes that Rupert has the tools to succeed in the NBA.

As a former Trail Blazer himself, Batum knows what it takes to succeed in the league and has seen firsthand the challenges that rookies face. His insights and advice for Rupert are valuable not only for the young forward, but for any rookie looking to make their mark in the NBA.

In conclusion, Nicolas Batum’s expectations for Rayan Rupert’s rookie season with the Trail Blazers are high, but realistic. He believes that Rupert has the potential to make an impact on the team and in the league, but acknowledges that the transition from playing overseas to the NBA can be challenging. Batum’s insights and advice for Rupert are valuable for any rookie looking to succeed in the league, and his optimism for Rupert’s potential is a testament to the young forward’s talent and work ethic.