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Sacramento Kings Uncover Gem in Stanford's Maxime Raynaud
Rookie forward Maxime Raynaud has emerged as a double-double machine for the struggling Kings
Published on Mar. 5, 2026
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Maxime Raynaud, a second-round draft pick out of Stanford, has been a revelation for the Sacramento Kings this season. Despite the team's poor record, the rookie forward has put up impressive double-double numbers, joining an elite group of first-year players to achieve that feat in over a decade. Raynaud's standout performance has thrust him into the Rookie of the Year conversation, showcasing the Kings' ability to uncover talent late in the draft.
Why it matters
Raynaud's emergence is a bright spot for the Kings, who have struggled mightily this season. His production and potential have given the franchise hope that they may have found a building block for the future, despite being a late draft pick. Raynaud's success also highlights the continued growth of the Stanford basketball program under head coach Kyle Smith.
The details
Over the last 10 games, Raynaud has averaged 15.6 points and 10.6 rebounds while shooting 61% from the field. He is the first NBA rookie in over 7 years to put up those numbers, joining former No. 1 overall pick DeAndre Ayton. Raynaud was originally expected to be a project player for the Kings this season, but injuries to key players have forced the team to rely on him heavily, and he has delivered. Despite being a second-round pick, Raynaud's performance has put him firmly in the Rookie of the Year conversation.
- Raynaud averaged 20.2 points, 10.6 rebounds and 1.7 assists in his junior season at Stanford.
- After entering the transfer portal, Raynaud was re-recruited by Stanford head coach Kyle Smith and helped guide the team to the second round of the NIT.
- Raynaud was considered a consensus first-round pick after a strong showing at the NBA combine, but he ultimately slipped to the second round of the 2026 NBA Draft.
The players
Maxime Raynaud
A rookie forward for the Sacramento Kings who has emerged as a double-double machine, putting up impressive stats and thrusting himself into the Rookie of the Year conversation.
Kyle Smith
The head coach of the Stanford basketball team, who was able to re-recruit Raynaud back to the program after he entered the transfer portal, helping guide the team to success.
DeAndre Ayton
A former No. 1 overall draft pick who is the last NBA rookie to put up numbers similar to Raynaud's over a 10-game stretch, prior to Raynaud's recent performance.
What’s next
The Kings will look to continue developing Raynaud and build around him as they aim to turn their franchise around in the coming seasons.
The takeaway
Raynaud's success as a late draft pick showcases the Kings' ability to uncover talent, and his emergence as a double-double machine has given the struggling franchise hope for the future. His performance also highlights the continued growth of the Stanford basketball program under coach Kyle Smith.
