Maxime Raynaud’s path from Paris to Sacramento Kings’ NBA draft steal
The Sacramento Kings followed the first-round selection of Colorado State star Nique Clifford with another potential NBA draft steal when they selected Stanford center Maxime Raynaud in the second round.
Raynaud was widely projected as a first-round pick who was expected to be chosen in the early to late 20s. The Kings, led by new general manager Scott Perry, acquired Raynaud with the 42nd overall pick.
The Athletic’s David Aldridge quoted an unnamed Western Conference scout who compared Raynaud favorably to 2024 lottery picks Donovan Clingan and Zach Edey.
“Donovan Clingan went 7 last year, Zach Edey went 9,” the scout said. “Other than Edey being bigger, Raynaud is more skilled than both of them put together.”
The pick was even praised by noted Kings antagonist Kevin O’Connor of Yahoo Sports.
“I’m extremely bullish on Maxime Raynaud,” O’Connor tweeted. “I understand why he fell to pick #42 because of concerns about his defense. But he’s just so skilled offensively. Can shoot it, attack closeouts, pass, and handle. Could end up one of the steals of the second round. A+ pick by the Kings.”
Raynaud, 22, is a 7-foot-1 ½, 237-pound center who was born and raised in Paris. He came to the United States after committing to Stanford, where he played a backup role for coach Jerod Haase as a freshman before establishing himself as a starter during his sophomore season.
Raynaud began to emerge as an NBA prospect a year later, averaging 15.5 points and 9.6 rebounds as a junior to earn All-Pac-12 Conference second-team and Most Improved Player honors. Raynaud entered the transfer portal when Haase was fired at the end of the season, but he ultimately chose to stay and play for Kyle Smith as Stanford moved to the Atlantic Coast Conference.
Raynaud made another leap as a pro prospect during his senior season while playing against the likes of Duke, North Carolina, Clemson and Louisville. He averaged 20.2 points, 10.6 rebounds, 1.4 blocks and 0.9 steals while shooting 46.7% from the field and 34.7% from 3-point range on 5.5 attempts per game. He also earned the Skip Prosser Award as the top scholar-athlete in the ACC.
When Raynaud enrolled at Stanford, Haase said: “The skill set he has is extremely unique. He can score with his back to the basket, put the ball on the floor and make plays for his teammates, and can stretch the court and shoot from the perimeter. We are so excited for his future on the Farm, both on and off the court.”
Prior to his arrival at Stanford, Raynaud played for Nanterre 92, a pro club in France, where he teamed with 2024 NBA Rookie of the Year Victor Wembanyama. Raynaud has also represented his country as a member of the French national team. He was a starter for the team that won a gold medal at the 2023 FIBA U20 European Championships.
Raynaud has come a long way from his formative years in France. Now, he’s here, with a chance to create a future for himself in Sacramento.
In the leadup to the draft, CBSSports.com wrote that Raynaud “quietly flourished … as one of the best players in all of college basketball” with “rare skill for a player his size.”
NBADraftRoom.com wrote: “Big and fundamentally sound, Raynaud has good handles and ball skills for a 7-footer and can really shoot the rock. Moves well and has some big wing skills. Looks like he could fill a role in the NBA early in his career.”
