Who is Maxime Raynaud
Maxime Raynaud is a 7′1″ (2.16 m), 113 kg French basketball player who played college basketball at Stanford Cardinal before being drafted into the Sacramento Kings in 2025.
Born on April 7, 2003 in Paris, France, Raynaud opted for Stanford for his college career, joining in the 2021–22 season.
Over his four-year college career at Stanford, Raynaud steadily developed from a reserve to a dominant senior — culminating in a standout final season that greatly elevated his draft stock.
Stanford Career & College Stats
Raynaud’s progression at Stanford was marked by consistent year-over-year improvement.
Here’s a breakdown of his college performance, with a focus on his stellar senior season:
| Season | PPG | RPG | Other Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2021–22 | ~4.5 | ~3.8 | Freshman season, limited role. |
| 2022–23 | ~8.8 | ~6.1 | Showed growth as sophomore. |
| 2023–24 | ~15.5 | ~9.6 | Earned Second-Team All-Pac-12 and Pac-12 Most Improved Player honors. |
| 2024–25 (Senior) | 20.2 | 10.6 | Averaged 20.2 PPG, 10.6 RPG, 1.7 AST, 1.4 BLK, 0.9 STL — only NCAA Division I player that season with 20+ and 10+ averages. |
Shooting & Efficiency (2024–25): FG% ~46.7, 3P% ~34.7 (on ~5.5 attempts/game), FT% ~77.0.
He also set a Stanford single-season record for most double-doubles — tallying 25 in the 2024-25 campaign.
Raynaud’s mix of size, mobility, and shooting — rare for a man his height — turned him into a prototypical modern “stretch big.” Scouts praised his ability to step out from the perimeter, face up defenders, shoot threes, and still hold his own inside the paint.
2025 NBA Draft & Draft Stock
Heading into the 2025 draft, Raynaud earned an invite to the NBA Combine following his dominant senior season.
Despite speculation he might go in the first round — even linked with Boston Celtics — he slipped into the early second round. On June 27, 2025, the Sacramento Kings selected him with the No. 42 overall pick.
Immediately after the draft, the Kings signed him to a multi-year rookie contract (first two seasons fully guaranteed).
Rookie Season (2025–26) & Early NBA Stats
As of early games in the 2025–26 season, Raynaud is officially a rookie in the NBA.
Early season per-game stats (limited sample): ~6.2 PPG, ~3.5 RPG, ~0.7 AST, FG% ~47.7, 3P% ~22.2.
His debut season is still in its infancy — playing limited minutes — but early signs show some efficiency and flashes of shooting range.
It’s too early to draw firm conclusions, but his size + shooting upside gives him a chance to carve out a role — especially as a stretch-big off the bench.
Strengths, Potential & Key Challenges
Strengths & Potential
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Rare blend of size (7′1″) and shooting — can shoot 3s and stretch the floor while playing big in the paint.
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Solid rebounding and rim protection — can box out, rebound, and use his length defensively.
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Scoring versatility: face-up, pick-and-pop, paint finishing, and some ball handling for a big man.
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High upside as a “modern big” — if he develops defensively and improves consistency, he could fit well in today’s NBA that values spacing and shooting.
Challenges & What to Watch
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3-point consistency: Early NBA 3P% is modest; needs to maintain shooting as defenses adjust.
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Defensive consistency & athleticism: While he has size, he may struggle with quicker, more athletic bigs or switch-heavy defensive schemes.
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Playmaking and play-reading: As a big man, assist numbers were never high; in NBA this could limit his involvement unless used in simplified offensive roles.
Outlook: What’s Next for Maxime Raynaud
Raynaud’s rookie season will likely be about adjustment — learning NBA speed, refining shot selection, and carving out a rotation role. But his rare size-and-skill combination gives him a real shot at developing into a “3-and-stretch” big off the bench.
If he can improve defensively and sustain his shooting, he could become a valuable NBA rotation piece. For now, patience and steady development will be key — but all signs point to a high-upside young player worth watching.
