The NBL Next Stars program has succeeded once more, with former New Zealand Breaker Rayan Rupert drafted by the Portland Trail Blazers with the No. 43 overall pick.
Projected by many to be a mid-to-late first-round pick, Rupert was one of the biggest sliders of the draft, falling all the way to 43 before finally being selected by Portland, and becoming the last player in the draft's green room to be selected.
Rupert became the latest in a long line of NBA prospects to spend a season with the Breakers during the 2022-23 campaign, following in the footsteps of players like R.J. Hampton, Ousmane Dieng, and Hugo Besson, all of whom were selected in their respective drafts.
MORE: Grading every pick in the 2023 NBA Draft
Rupert was a key part of a Breakers unit that went all the way to the NBL finals, averaging 5.9 points, 2.1 rebounds, and 0.9 assists, as well as often being tasked with guarding the opposing team's best guard.
The 19-year-old became the third player drafted by Portland in the 2023 NBA Draft, joining No. 3 overall pick Scoot Henderson, and No. 23 pick Kris Murray. They join a Trail Blazers team whose future is currently uncertain, with questions surrounding the path of the team and the future of superstar point guard Damian Lillard.
While contracts for second-round picks are not guaranteed, Rupert is considered by many to be one of the biggest steals of the draft, and with the NBA Summer League rapidly approaching, he should have no trouble convincing the team's front office that he is deserving of a final roster spot.
New Zealand Breakers NBA Draft Picks
| Player | Pick | Team | Year |
| R.J. Hampton | 24 | Orlando Magic | 2020 |
| Ousmane Dieng | 11 | Oklahoma City Thunder | 2022 |
| Hugo Besson | 58 | Milwaukee Bucks | 2022 |
| Rayan Rupert | 43 | Portland Trail Blazers | 2023 |
