Maxime Raynaud’s 3-Point shooting could be his ‘golden ticket’ with Kings

Maxime Raynaud faces a much different challenge heading into his second NBA season.

After the 42nd overall pick in the 2025 NBA Draft emerged as one of Sacramento’s most promising young players, Domantas Sabonis is now healthy, and the Kings added another center in Dylan Cardwell, who brings something Raynaud does not: a defensive presence.

That could make consistent minutes difficult to find for Maxime Raynaud, but Matt George believes there is one skill that could keep the second-year center on the floor: his three-point shooting.

“Max’s shooting is what separates him,” George said on Sactown Sports’ The Matt & Kayla Show. “If he can establish that three-point shot consistently, whether it’s a pick and pop or standing in the corner, he’s going to stay on the floor.”

Maxime Raynaud #42 of the Sacramento Kings yells after making a basket while being fouled against the Washington Wizards in the third quarter of a 2026 NBA Summer League game at the Thomas & Mack Center on July 12, 2026 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by Ian Maule/Getty Images)

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The need is obvious. Sacramento finished last season 29th in the NBA in 3-point attempts per game and 29th in 3-point percentage, making floor spacing especially valuable for a team that will feature Sabonis and newly drafted guard Darius Acuff Jr.

Maxime Raynaud showed he can provide that element at Stanford. George pointed out that Raynaud shot 36 percent from long distance during his senior season while attempting nearly two 3-pointers per game. The Kings, however, used him much differently as a rookie.

“Max was the go-to scorer for Stanford, and they used him in the pick and pop,” George said. “They gave him shots on the perimeter in transition. He was their offensive engine. Max was primarily used as a pick-and-roll scorer with the Kings.”

Raynaud still thrived in that role, averaging 12.5 points, 7.4 rebounds and 1.4 assists while shooting 57% from the field and 32% from 3-point range over 74 games. He started 56 games and earned All-Rookie Second Team honors, becoming the lone non-lottery pick among the 10 players selected to an All-Rookie team.

Now, Raynaud may need to find a way to make an impact with fewer opportunities.

“Get me to 35% from three on three attempts per game,” George said. “You got yourself a deal, Mr. Raynaud.”

Maxime Raynaud #42 of the Stanford Cardinal reacts after making a three-point shot against the California Golden Bears during the first half at Haas Pavilion on December 07, 2024 in Berkeley, California. (Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images)

Kayla Anderson agreed that shooting could be the key to making Raynaud’s minutes easier to justify, particularly alongside Sabonis.

The problem is the other end of the floor. Cardwell’s defense could make him the preferred frontcourt partner for Sabonis, while a Sabonis-Raynaud pairing would provide much better spacing but potentially create major defensive concerns.

“If Max’s three-point shooting is there, it’s going to be hard to take him off the court,” George said. “Give him three of them a game, and he makes 34 to 35%. That’s valuable to this Kings team.”

For Maxime Raynaud, that could be his golden ticket to meaningful minutes.

Listen to and watch Sactown Sports’ The Matt & Kayla Show with Matt George & Kayla Anderson, airing weekdays from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. PT on Sactown Sports.

More Sacramento Kings content from Sactown Sports

• Why Russell Westbrook decided to walk away from the Kings
• Darius Acuff Jr. made Andre Miller take notice at Kings’ summer workouts
• Why the Kings should still lean on Malik Monk in 2026-27
• Sacramento Kings release 2026-27 regular season schedule
• Could Victor Oladipo’s ties with Scott Perry result in a deal with Sacramento?
• Russell Westbrook’s time in Sacramento was brief–but impactful

What is the next Sacramento Kings Offseason Event?

The start of the 2026-27 season is quickly approaching for Darius Acuff Jr. and the Sacramento Kings.

Sacramento will begin training camp in late September as they prepare to begin preseason play on Monday, October 5th when they face Luka Doncic and the new-look Los Angeles Lakers at Golden 1 Center.

Be sure to stay tuned to Sactown Sports all offseason for roster updates, analysis, and much more.

Sacramento Kings Schedule: 2026-27 Preseason

• Monday, October 5th vs. Los Angeles Lakers (7 P.M. PST)
• Thursday, October 8th @ Los Angeles Lakers (7:30 P.M. PST)
• Saturday, October 10th @ Golden State Warriors (5:30 P.M. PST)
• Tuesday, October 13th vs. Portland Trail Blazers (7:00 P.M. PST)
• Friday, October 16th @ San Antonio Spurs (7:00 P.M. PST)

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