Maxime Raynaud aims to become one of the ‘absolute monsters’ of the NBA

“I remember two games,” Sacramento Kings rookie Maxime Raynaud said when asked when he felt like he belonged. “One of them being Utah at the beginning of the year.”

After being drafted 42nd overall in the 2026 NBA Draft, the big man has drastically outperformed that draft slot. His opportunity came early in the season as starting big man Domantas Sabonis dealt with injury. He even recorded 11 minutes, starting behind fellow rookie Dylan Cardwell in the season debut.

But it was Sacramento’s 20th game, in Utah, that he was referencing. He quickly developed a relationship with future Hall of Fame point guard Russell Westbrook, partnering with him in pick-and-rolls. That perspective, insight, and leadership for a rookie can go a long way.

“Russ just went up to me, it was the fourth quarter, and he was like, ‘Look, I just need you to, like, be confident. When I’m gonna pass you the ball, really shoot it. Like, be confident with it.”

That appearance, Raynaud’s 12th, ended with him recording 19 points and four rebounds on 7/11 shooting.

“And then the very next game we go to Houston, I think I had like, 25 against one of the strongest bigs I’ve ever played against… (that) really boosted my confidence. And was like, You know what? Like, after all, maybe I belong here.”

While there was one game of nine points, six rebounds, and three assists before heading to Houston, Raynaud did end his game against the Rockets with 25 points, six rebounds, three assists, one steal, and one block on 10/15 shooting. That started a stretch of double-digit points in 10 of his next 12 games.

Cooper Flagg #32 of the Dallas Mavericks is guarded by Maxime Raynaud #42 of the Sacramento Kings during the first quarter at Golden 1 Center on January 06, 2026 in Sacramento, California. (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images)

More on Maxime Raynaud

Raynaud should be strongly considered for All-Rookie Team selection, potentially first-team. Over the year as a whole, he averaged 12.5 points and 7.5 rebounds, shooting efficiently at 57.1 percent. The 23-year-old started in 56 games and played in all but eight of the Kings’ 82 total.

Outside of Cooper Flagg, Kon Knueppel, and VJ Edgecombe — all of whom were top four selections — Raynaud was the only other to earn Rookie of the Month honors. When asked if he’d like to make his case for the team, he felt that not much needed to be said.

“I mean, I don’t really think I need to sell myself in the sense that, you know, season is over, you can just look back and look at it,” he said before ironically continuing to state his argument.

“I led the rookies in double-doubles, let them in rebounds per game as well. I think if you see the improvement, especially post All-Star break, (I’m) probably the only rookie that trended that way the whole year.”

To his point, Raynaud averaged 17.3 points and 9.2 rebounds in 32.2 minutes per game following the All-Star break. That’s absurd production for a first-year player, but his team’s record will likely work against his favor after ending their year 22-60. Perhaps his play was enough to overcome that.

“I do think, if you just look at the numbers and look at the games that I’ve had against bigs of my class that may be competing with me for first team, I think I showed that I was better,” he continued. “At least I produced more. So that is what it is.”

The All-Rookie ballets are not positionally restricted, so he will be competing with a wide variety of players from Jeremiah Fears, Ace Bailey, Cedric Coward, Tre Johnson, Dylan Harper, and Derik Queen. It would be stunning if he doesn’t make at least second-team, but I’d bet he makes the first-team.

While the personal accolades are nice, his promising debut season is more important for the future of Sacramento’s organization. Headed into next season with Domantas Sabonis and Dylan Cardwell still on the roster, it’ll be interesting to see his role if they’re able to remain healthy.

Plenty aware of where he needs to continue improving, Raynaud mentioned shooting the three, ball handling for attacking closeouts, and defending in space. But it seems he has his sights set high.

Asked what big was tough to match up with, he pointed to the best second-round pick of All-Time, three-time Most Valuable Player Nikola Jokic of the Denver Nuggets.

“He was one of the first guys that really impressed me by his play and also by his composure,” Raynaud said before ending his final answer with a mic drop-worthy quote.

“We have some absolute monsters in this league, and the goal is to become one yourself.”

Be sure to check out all of the Sacramento Kings’ end-of-season press conferences on the Sactown Sports YouTube page.

When is the next Sacramento Kings offseason date of interest?

The Sacramento Kings will now look ahead to the highly anticipated NBA Draft Lottery, which is set for Sunday, May 10th.

Sacramento hasn’t secured the top pick in the NBA Draft since 1989, when it selected center Pervis Ellison with the first overall selection.

Be sure to stay locked in to Sactown Sports 1140 all offseason for NBA Draft Lottery coverage, NBA Draft previews and analysis, NBA Summer League content, and MUCH more!

More Sacramento Kings content from Sactown Sports

• Russell Westbrook says he’s open to re-signing with the Kings
• NBA Draft Lottery Standings: Pencils Down
• Report: Doug Christie will return as Kings head coach next season
• Christensen: Tanking isn’t in Doug Christie’s DNA
• NBA salary cap expert advises against stretching Zach LaVine’s contract

Upcoming Sacramento Kings & NBA Offseason Schedule

• Tuesday, April 14th – NBA Play-In Tournament begins
• Saturday, April 18th – NBA Playoffs begin
• Sunday, May 10th – NBA Draft Lottery
• Thursday, June 4th– NBA Finals begin
• Thursday, June 25th – NBA Draft (Round 1)
• Friday, June 26th – NBA Draft (Round 2)
• Tuesday, June 30th – NBA Free Agency negotiation period begins (3 PM PT)
• Thursday, July 9th – NBA Las Vegas Summer League begins
• Monday, July 13th – Free Agency moratorium ends / signings can become official

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