NBL24 Next Star Rayan Rupert’s stock is remaining steady as we approach the NBA Draft.

The picture surrounding Rupert’s potential destination has grown clearer following the NBA lottery, as the order of the first 14 selections was set in stone.

Mock drafts have had Rupert’s selection falling anywhere between the lottery selections and the late first round, however draft expert Jonathon Givony believes the Frenchman will be selected by the Golden State Warriors with the 19^th pick - as per ESPN.

“Rupert is being selective with the teams he visits,” Givony reasoned. “[He’s] prioritising roster fit and strong development situations on playoff-calibre teams, rather than trying to be selected as high as possible.

“Golden State’s disappointing playoff exit revealed some issues the franchise will need to address with its aging roster.

“The Warriors’ inability to get stops in key moments hurt them against the Lakers, so a defensive-minded prospect like Rupert – who can wreak havoc all over the floor with his 7’2” wingspan and high intensity level – could be interesting at this stage of the draft.”

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">LaMelo Ball ?<br>Rayan Rupert ?<br>Josh Giddey ?<br><br>Next Stars for <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/NBL24?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#NBL24</a> are hot property ?<br><br>Watch The Marketplace: <a href="https://t.co/AOzk91x9GC">https://t.co/AOzk91x9GC</a> <a href="https://t.co/myeBnbTqYu">pic.twitter.com/myeBnbTqYu</a></p>&mdash; NBL (@NBL) <a href="https://twitter.com/NBL/status/1662731084164108288?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 28, 2023</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

NBC Sports has Rupert being taken one selection earlier NBA Finals contenders Miami at pick 18, while The Ringer has him falling to pick 20 and has labelled him “one of the best perimeter defenders in the class”.

The NBA Draft will be held on Friday, June 23 at 10am AEST.