Grizzlies Sign Rayan Rupert To Minor League Deal
Shortly after Denver announced Roddy’s signing, Memphis inked Rupert to a two-way deal. Rupert was waived by the Portland Trail Blazers on February 20 though the Grizzlies quickly snatched him up, signing a 10-day deal on February 22. The 21-year-old, selected by the Blazers with the No. 43 pick in 2023, played well during this short stint with the team.
In five games, Rupert averaged 10.4 points, 5.8 rebounds, and 1.2 steal — all of which would be career highs if he averaged them for a season. Rupert knocked down 1.2 threes with shooting splits of 45.2/ 35.2/ 80. He also scored in double-figures three times.
Rupert, who has appeared in 139 career NBA games, will be eligible to appear in 11 games for the Grizzlies going forward. He is the exact archetype Memphis has been trying to find since losing Dillon Brooks, which is a long, defensive‑first wing who can survive offensively.
The lenghthy 6-8 wing is very active and disruptive on the defensive end. Rupert brings energy when he steps on the floor and doesn’t need the ball to be effective. He is capable of guarding all three backcourt positions.
While the Grizzlies didn’t begin the day with an open two-way spot, they did have an available standard contract spot due to the expiration of Rupert’s 10-day pact. The Grizzlies promoted Olivier-Maxence Prosper to the 15-man roster thus allowing them to sign Rupert to a minor league deal.
Prosper has played extremely well for Memphis this year and was five games from being ineligible to play another NBA game. In 36 appearances, the 23-year-old defensive-oriented forward averages 7.6 points and 3.1 rebounds while shooting 53.9% shooting from the field and 38.9% from the 3-point line.
Prosper received a two-year deal.
