There were 20 players in college basketball who averaged at least 20 ppg this past season. One of them was Maxime Raynaud, a 7’1 center from France who was the rare four-year player at one school. He developed over time at Stanford and became a reserve to an All-Conference star.
This past season, Raynaud led the Cardinal with 20.2 ppg and 10.6 rpg while shooting 47% from the field. He also expanded his range to the three-point line, making 35% from deep on 5.5 attempts. The senior’s best performances included 32 points and 16 rebounds in a win over Santa Clara, along with 25 points and 13 rebounds in a road upset at North Carolina. He was in double-digits in almost every game and highly consistent in his scoring production.
During the NBA Draft process, there was a chance teams would take Raynaud in the first round, as his scoring ability at the five-spot is an asset. However, he ended up falling in the second round. Still, he was able to find a destination in the NBA at No. 42.
Palo Alto to Sacramento‼️
— Stanford Men's Basketball (@StanfordMBB) June 27, 2025
With the 42nd pick of the 2025 NBA Draft the @SacramentoKings select Maxime Raynaud!#NBADraft pic.twitter.com/4WoMb5Sbul
The Sacramento Kings have one of the better centers in the NBA in Domantas Sabonis, who averages 19.1 ppg, 13.9 rpg, and 6.0 rpg. The other centers that were on the roster this past season included Alex Len and Jonas Valanciunas, two guys who aren’t long-term options for the franchise.
Raynaud, who is also an offensive-minded center like Sabonis, has the chance to be the backup big man for the Kings, which is good for someone picked this late into the draft. Plus, the Stanford graduate can stay out west as well.
This has the chance to be an underrated pick in the second round, something the Kings need to be a playoff contender in the Western Conference. in the future.