Maxime Raynaud viewed as ‘sleeper’ and ‘steal’ of the 2025 NBA Draft

2025 NBA Draft reviews and grades are often meaningless, but don’t let that deter you from the fact that the Sacramento Kings are being viewed as one of this week’s biggest winners.

One day removed from trading into the first round and selecting Colorado State guard-forward Nique Clifford with the 24th pick, Sacramento used its lone original draft pick–the 42nd overall selection–to bring Stanford center Maxime Raynaud to the Beam Team.

Raynaud, a 7’1 center who was named First Team All-ACC during the 2024-25 season, averaged 20.2 points, 10.6 rebounds, and 1.7 assists in his 33.5 minutes over 35 games played last season. The 22-year-old was the only NCAA Division-1 player to tally 20 points and 10 rebounds per game last season.

The French native was one of three major NCAA conference players to average 20+ points and 10+ rebounds while making 50+ triples over the past 25 years, joining Kevin Durant (2007) and Carmelo Anthony (2003).

Draft experts felt that Sacramento found a steal in Clifford at 24th, and arguably felt even stronger that Raynaud is a player with big upside at the next level:

“Versatility… 7-footer that can flat out shoot the basketball, make plays.” 🗣️@steve21smith gives his take on Maxime Raynaud, who went 42nd to the @SacramentoKings 👑 pic.twitter.com/WEaxVl7lvW

— NBA TV (@NBATV) June 27, 2025

The Sacramento Kings have selected Stanford’s Maxime Raynaud with the No. 42 pick.

Fits a coveted mold at 7’1 with impressive shooting ability, which gives him a quicker path to a NBA role than some players who will be drafted before him. pic.twitter.com/rpQffTgGfV

— Jonathan Givony (@DraftExpress) June 27, 2025

I’m extremely bullish on Maxime Raynaud. 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. https://t.co/ZRmG9kMgwV pic.twitter.com/NNBKEmEVQ2

— Kevin O’Connor (@KevinOConnorNBA) June 27, 2025

Not sure what NBA executives didn’t like about Maxime Raynaud. The young man is 7’1” and has a nice low post game and can put the ball on the floor a lil bit and beat bigs off the dribble.

Called a few of his games at Stanford and was impressed with what I saw for a guy his size

— Eldridge Recasner (@erecasner) June 27, 2025

Nique Clifford and Maxime Raynaud is really good work by the Kings at the draft.

Clifford’s versatility gives Sacramento some different lineup options.

Raynaud gives them a different look at center.

Nice couple of nights for the Beam Team.

— Keith Smith (@KeithSmithNBA) June 27, 2025

A sentence I haven’t been able to say often—love what the Sacramento Kings did in this draft! Trading a protected future Spurs pick to get Nique Clifford was a huge win, and Maxime Raynaud was a great get at 42. Now Dylan Cardwell on a two-way too-great first haul for Scott Perry

— Nick Agar-Johnson (@NBAJohnson) June 27, 2025

The no-doubt no-brainer sleeper of this draft was Maxime Raynaud going 42nd to the Kings. I thought he was a mid-first round talent. Give him space and great teammates and he will be a high-level NBA scorer and rebounder. You watch! @hhqsports @OldTakesExposed

— Seth Davis (@SethDavisHoops) June 27, 2025

More Kings & Maxime Raynaud coverage from Sactown Sports

The Sacramento Kings concluded the 2025 NBA Draft on Thursday by selecting Stanford center Maxime Raynaud with the 42nd overall pick.

Raynaud, a consensus top-30 pick who many believed would be a first-round pick, fell into Sacramento’s lap at pick number 42, causing many draft analysts and experts to consider the pick a steal for the Kings.

Stanford head coach Kyle Smith joined The Carmichael Dave Show with Jason Ross to share insight on the newest member of the Beam Team, give fans an idea of what to expect from Raynaud, and much more.

Be sure to check out the entire interview with Stanford head coach Kyle Smith on the Sactown Sports 1140 YouTube page.

Stanford HC: Maxime Raynaud can play alongside Domantas Sabonis

What’s next for the Sacramento Kings offseason?

Following the 2025 NBA Draft, the Sacramento Kings will prepare for the start of NBA Free Agency.

The NBA free agency negotiation period begins on Monday, June 30th, at 3 pm PT, meaning Sacramento will be able to negotiate with players — but agreements cannot be officially completed until Sunday, July 6th.

Who will the Kings sign in free agency? Will new general manager Scott Perry make trades in hopes of upgrading the roster?

Be sure to stay locked into Sactown Sports 1140 each weekday from 6 am-6 pm for live analysis and around-the-clock coverage, as well as sactownsports.com for breakdowns for every move.

Upcoming offseason schedule for the Sacramento Kings:

• Monday, June 30th – NBA free agent negotiations can begin
• Sunday, July 6th – NBA free agents can officially sign with teams
• July 10th-20th – Las Vegas NBA Summer League
• August TBD – Release of 2025-26 regular season schedule
• September TBD – Start of NBA training camps for the 2025-26 season

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