Maxime Raynaud Bio
Maxime Pierre Raynaud (born 7 April 2003) is a French professional basketball player for the Sacramento Kings of the National Basketball Association (NBA). A 7-foot-1 center, he plays in the frontcourt and is recognized for his scoring touch, rebounding, and rapidly developing perimeter game. He joined the Kings after a standout college career at Stanford University, where he emerged as one of the most productive big men in the country.
Born and raised in Paris, Raynaud began his basketball journey in France before moving to the United States to compete at the collegiate level. He was selected 42nd overall in the 2025 NBA draft and has quickly established himself as a contributor at the professional level. In his rookie season he became the first second-round pick in NBA history to average at least 12 points and seven rebounds per game while shooting above 55 percent from the field.
Early Life and Background
Maxime Pierre Raynaud was born on 7 April 2003 in Paris, France. Growing up in the French capital, he was introduced to basketball at a young age and developed his game within the country’s competitive club system. Paris provided a strong sporting environment, and Raynaud took advantage of the city’s youth programs to refine his fundamentals as a tall, skilled big man.
He attended Lycée Henri-IV in Paris, one of the country’s most prestigious secondary schools, balancing a demanding academic workload with his athletic commitments. His combination of size, skill, and intelligence made him a notable prospect in French youth basketball circles.
Path to Basketball
Raynaud began his senior club career with Nanterre 92 of the French basketball system during the 2020–21 season, gaining early exposure to high-level competition. The experience allowed him to test his game against professionals and helped prepare him for the next step in his development.
Seeking to continue his growth in the United States, he committed to Stanford University in 2021. He joined the Stanford Cardinal men’s basketball program and worked his way into the regular rotation during his first two collegiate seasons under head coach Jerod Haase, gradually expanding his role and responsibilities. His progression accelerated after his sophomore year, when a shift in mindset and work habits translated into improved consistency and impact on both ends of the court.
Maxime Raynaud Career
Early Career (2020–2021)
Raynaud launched his professional career with Nanterre 92 in France, where he spent the 2020–21 season. Playing in France’s top division exposed him to veteran competition and gave him a foundation in the professional game before transitioning to the American collegiate system.
After one season with Nanterre 92, he made the move to Stanford, beginning a four-year development arc that transformed him from a rotational freshman into one of the nation’s most productive big men.
Stanford Cardinal Breakthrough (2021–2025)
During his first two seasons at Stanford, Raynaud built a consistent role within the Cardinal rotation. As a junior in 2023–24, he emerged as one of the team’s most productive players, averaging 15.5 points and 9.6 rebounds per game. His performances earned him second-team All-Pac-12 honors and the Pac-12 Most Improved Player award.
Following the departure of head coach Jerod Haase, Raynaud briefly entered the NCAA transfer portal before withdrawing and committing to remain at Stanford under newly appointed head coach Kyle Smith. His senior season in 2024–25 marked the peak of his college career. He posted career-high averages of 20.1 points and 10.9 rebounds per game, recorded 23 double-doubles, and led the ACC in rebounding. He was named first-team All-ACC, ACC Scholar-Athlete of the Year, and recipient of the Skip Prosser Award. Raynaud also graduated with a double major in Mathematics and Computer Science.
Sacramento Kings Era (2025–Present)
Raynaud was selected 42nd overall in the 2025 NBA draft by the Sacramento Kings and signed a three-year rookie contract on July 3, 2025. He was assigned to the Stockton Kings of the NBA G League on November 4 to gain additional playing time, but soon returned to a larger role with Sacramento.
After limited minutes early in the season, Raynaud earned an expanded opportunity following an injury to Domantas Sabonis. Beginning in late November 2025, his production increased, including a 19-point performance against the Utah Jazz on November 30, with 16 points scored in the fourth quarter. He recorded a then career-high 25 points against the Houston Rockets on December 4 and made his first NBA start against the Miami Heat two days later, finishing with 12 points and 10 rebounds. On March 17, 2026, Raynaud set a new career high with 32 points and nine rebounds in a loss to the San Antonio Spurs. He was named Western Conference Rookie of the Month for March 2026 and was selected to the 2026 NBA All-Rookie Second Team, becoming the only second-round pick named to either of the 2026 All-Rookie Teams.
Driving Style and Strengths
Raynaud is known for his combination of size and skill, including the ability to stretch the floor as a shooter while also contributing as a rebounder and interior defender. Coaches and teammates have praised his game understanding, positioning, and defensive awareness, as well as his willingness to absorb instruction quickly.
Notable Events and Milestones
Among Raynaud’s standout moments are his career-high 32-point performance against the San Antonio Spurs on March 17, 2026, his Western Conference Rookie of the Month honor in March 2026, and his selection to the 2026 All-Rookie Second Team. His statistical threshold of averaging at least 12 points and seven rebounds per game while shooting above 55 percent as a second-round rookie is unmatched in NBA history.
Maxime Raynaud Career Wins
Raynaud’s career is highlighted by major individual awards at the college level and rapid recognition as a professional. His most notable honors include Pac-12 Most Improved Player, second-team All-Pac-12, first-team All-ACC, ACC Scholar-Athlete of the Year, and the Skip Prosser Award. As a professional, he earned Western Conference Rookie of the Month honors and a place on the 2026 NBA All-Rookie Second Team.
Stanford Cardinal Highlights
During his time at Stanford, Raynaud earned second-team All-Pac-12 honors and the Pac-12 Most Improved Player award in 2024. In 2025, he was named first-team All-ACC, ACC Scholar-Athlete of the Year, and Skip Prosser Award recipient after leading the conference in rebounding with 23 double-doubles.
Other Wins and Performances
Raynaud was a starter on the French team that won gold at the 2023 FIBA U20 European Championship, leading the team in scoring with 26 points in the championship win over Israel.
Maxime Raynaud Family
Family Background and Racing Lineage
Public information about Raynaud’s family background is limited.
Personal Life
Raynaud was raised in Paris, France, and balances his professional basketball career with his academic background in Mathematics and Computer Science from Stanford.
2025 Season Performance
Maxime Raynaud’s 2025–26 rookie season with the Sacramento Kings marked a remarkable rise for a second-round pick. After early-season assignments to the Stockton Kings of the NBA G League, he returned to Sacramento and seized an expanded role following an injury to Domantas Sabonis. From late November onward, he delivered consistent scoring and rebounding, capped by a career-high 32-point performance against the San Antonio Spurs in March 2026.
For the month of March 2026, he was named Western Conference Rookie of the Month after averaging 17.9 points, 8.5 rebounds, and 1.8 assists per game over 15 games while shooting 59.5 percent from the field. He led the Sacramento Kings with 7.5 rebounds per game for the season and became the first second-round pick in NBA history to average at least 12 points and seven rebounds per game while shooting above 55 percent from the field as a rookie.
Raynaud closed the season by earning selection to the 2026 NBA All-Rookie Second Team, the only second-round draft pick named to either of the All-Rookie Teams. His rookie campaign established him as a foundational piece for Sacramento’s frontcourt and positioned him for continued growth entering his second professional season.
