In this new series, Sixers Wire looks at the 16 players, per Spotrac, that comprise the Philadelphia 76ers roster — 14 under standard contracts and the two players on two-way deals — and gives each three goals for the 2026-27 season.
The new season begins on Oct. 20, and training camp is right around the corner. Now is the time to begin previewing the new season of adventure that is Sixers basketball.
Up first in this series is Rayan Rupert who spent the 2025-26 season split between the Portland Trail Blazers and the Memphis Grizzlies before signing a two-way deal with the Sixers. Rupert will be looking to earn his next chance after averaging 5.2 points and 2.9 rebounds in 64 games in the previous season.
For Rupert, his three goals are as follows:
Follow the example of previous two-way success stories
The Sixers have had a lot of success in the two-way department recently. Rupert can look no further than Dominick Barlow and Jabari Walker who were both on two-way deals to begin the 2025-26 season and played well enough to earn standard deals. Rupert has 155 games and 20 starts under his belt and he has shown some versatility during his limited chances. If he can learn from Barlow and Walker and find ways to stand out, then he can turn himself into the next two-way success in Philadelphia.
Meet JP Clark
When considering the nature of the roster and the title aspirations for this group, Rupert will be spending a lot of time in the G League with the Delaware Blue Coats. That means he better get familiar with Blue Coats coach JP Clark. This will be his opportunity to get the necessary court time he needs to be able to grow and develop his game. He's still only 22 years old and has a lot to learn about the game. The time in Delaware will do wonders for him as he moves forward in his career and Clark will help him get to the level he needs to be at.
Develop a skill that makes him stand out
If Rupert can develop a skill that will make him stand out, then coach Nick Nurse will be unable to ignore what he brings to the table. For example, he is a career 32.2% shooter from deep on 1.8 attempts per game. Say he gets that up to around 36% and he's taking around 3.0 attempts per night. That is a skill that the Sixers can absolutely use and it would allow him a chance to showcase his skills. Even if he can become an elite passer, that would change things for his career trajectory.
This article originally appeared on Sixers Wire: 76ers 3 goals: Rayan Rupert needs to follow example of former two-ways
