Rupert is a 22-year-old wing buried behind five names who matter more, and last season's numbers say he was a drag when he played. The injury list gives him a window, and this season he has to prove he is more than a body.
Where does Rupert fit on a roster this crowded?
He is a G-F in his third year, and he sits behind Maxey, Brown, Edgecombe, James and Embiid. Last season he played 64 games at 16.8 minutes. That is a spot-minutes job, and it gets smaller when the stars are healthy. Tonight James is out, along with Barlow, Fall and Hukporti, so the Bucks game gives him a real look.
What did his last-season line say?
It said role player, and a quiet one: 5.2 points, 2.9 rebounds, 1.1 assists and 0.9 steals. He shot 39.3% from the field, 32.4% from three on only 2.1 attempts, and 77.8% at the free-throw line. Nothing there says scorer. The block total of 0.1 says he is not protecting the rim, either.
Do the advanced numbers make it better or worse?
Worse. His offensive rating was 103.5, his defensive rating 117.0 and his net rating -13.6, while the Sixers as a team finished at -0.1. Usage of 14.8% is fine for a bench wing. A 49.3% true shooting mark at that usage is not. His assist rate was 9.3% and his rebound rate 8.2%.
What do his contract and health look like?
He is not on the injury report, which already helps him on a night with five names listed. His salary is not among the five biggest on a payroll of $206.6M, which sits above the $200.4M tax line. For a club over the line, the bench has to produce cheaply, and that is the case he has to make.
What does he need to be this season?
A low-usage wing who makes the open three and defends his position. Last season's 32.4% on 2.1 attempts is the number to beat, and a defensive rating of 117.0 has to come down. He does not need the ball. He needs to stop being the reason a lineup gives back its lead.
What did Rayan Rupert average last season?
He averaged 5.2 points, 2.9 rebounds and 1.1 assists in 16.8 minutes over 64 games. He shot 39.3% from the field and 32.4% from three.
Is Rayan Rupert injured?
No, he is not on the injury report as of October 24. James, Barlow, Hukporti, Fall and Wade are all listed.
