Maxime Raynaud ‘wants to dominate’ Summer League, lead Kings’ rookie class

Sacramento Kings center Maxime Raynaud made an immediate impact in his Las Vegas Summer League debut, finishing with a team-high 20 points and 12 rebounds against the Washington Wizards on Sunday night.

But despite the impressive stat line, the second-year big man wasn’t interested in celebrating his performance.

Instead, Raynaud focused on what he left on the floor.

“I mean, it didn’t mean much, honestly,” Raynaud said. “There was room for so much more. I missed little layups. I gave up offensive rebounds. There was room for like 28 and 17, and it was not up to my standard.”

That mindset has quickly become a defining characteristic for the 23-year-old after averaging 12.5 points and 7.5 rebounds while shooting 57 percent from the field during his rookie campaign. Now, Raynaud wants to take the next step.

🇫🇷 MAXIME RAYNAUD !

20 POINTS
12 REBONDS
3 AST, 1 INT
7-15 FG⎜2-5 3PM pic.twitter.com/gviDUxCHOR

— NBA France (@NBAFRANCE) July 13, 2026

More on Kings center Maxime Raynaud

After earning NBA All-Rookie Second Team honors as the 42nd overall pick, Maxime Raynaud is determined to prove last season was only the beginning.

His goals in Summer League extend beyond posting big numbers.

“I’m trying to help out those first-year guys and also dominate myself,” Raynaud said. “Obviously, I had a good season last year. I want to confirm.”

With Sacramento shifting toward a younger core, Raynaud understands his role has evolved. After discussions with general manager Scott Perry, he said the organization expects its returning young players to help lead the franchise’s newest draft class, including 7th-overall pick Darius Acuff Jr., forward Alex Karaban, and guard Emanuel Sharp.

“I talked a lot with [Kings GM Scott Perry]; we’re trying to have a younger team. We’re trying to rebuild around this guy that we just drafted,” Raynaud said. “Naturally, we want to be a leader for them. We want to be able to show them the right thing to do, having the right frame of mind.”

Raynaud admitted he wasn’t satisfied with his leadership in Sunday’s loss, adding, “I think I didn’t do my best on that today. I think I got to do better for the rookies, but also for the team as a whole.”

He was encouraged by what he saw from Acuff despite Washington’s defensive attention. The new franchise guard’s shooting woes continued as he finished the night with 12 points on four-of-14 shooting from the field.

SACRAMENTO, CALIFORNIA – JULY 04: Darius Acuff Jr. #5 of the Sacramento Kings dribbling the ball looks to drive to the basket against the Brooklyn Nets during the second half in the California Classic a NBA Summer League game at Golden 1 Center on July 04, 2026 in Sacramento, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images)

“He’s extremely talented,” Raynaud said. “They were trying to deny every pass back, every handoff, so it’s a little hard to get him going when that happens. But he was able to create for others, create for himself. I’m not worried about him.”

Raynaud also praised Acuff’s mentality.

“He’s a hard worker. He cares about basketball. He’s just a true hooper,” Raynaud said. “He doesn’t get too high. He doesn’t get too low. He’s very consistent with the way he approaches things.”

Karaban also caught Raynaud’s attention despite a modest box score.

“He makes a lot of winning plays,” Raynaud said. “His activity on the offensive boards, he communicates a lot, and he’s able to be a good shooter.”

As for Sharp, Raynaud believes the chemistry will come with time after spending only a handful of days together.

“We’ve only been together for five or six days,” Raynaud said. “As we spend more time together, it’s going to be good for him.”

While Maxime Raynaud’s production stood out Sunday, his expectations remain much higher.

If his own assessment is any indication, the Kings’ promising young center isn’t chasing numbers; he’s chasing dominance while bringing Sacramento’s next generation along.

More Sacramento Kings content from Sactown Sports

What is the next Sacramento Kings Offseason Event?

Maxime Raynaud & the Sacramento Kings will continue their Las Vegas Summer League slate on Tuesday afternoon at UNLV when they play the first game of a back-to-back.

Sacramento is set to face the sixth-overall pick, Mikel Brown Jr., and the Brooklyn Nets at 3 p.m. on Tuesday at the Thomas & Mack Center in Las Vegas, Nevada.

Sactown Sports will be ON SITE in Las Vegas ALL WEEK LONG from July 12-19th! Be sure to remain locked into Sactown Sports for your Sacramento Kings Summer League news, analysis, and much more!

Upcoming Sacramento Kings Offseason Schedule

• Thursday, July 9th – Sunday, July 19th – NBA Las Vegas Summer League
• August TBD – 2026-27 NBA Schedule release
• Late September – NBA training camps begin

2026 Sacramento Kings Las Vegas Summer League Schedule

• Tuesday, July 14: vs. Brooklyn Nets – 3 p.m. PT (Prime Video)
• Wednesday, July 15: vs. Boston Celtics – 5 p.m. PT (ESPN 2)
• Final game TBD

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