Fresh off registering his fifth double-double on Sunday, Sacramento Kings rookie center Maxime Raynaud was commended by coach Doug Christie for his performance.

Raynaud produced 16 points, 10 rebounds and two assists in a 125-101 loss on the road against the Los Angeles Lakers. Starting in his 10th game, Raynaud went 8-of-10 from the field in 34 minutes as the Kings lost for the third time in five games.

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The 42nd pick in the draft is the first Kings rookie with five double-doubles since Tyrese Haliburton in the 2020-21 season. He had an efficient showing after converting several shots in the paint, from his floater to a few dunks out of pick-and-rolls.

“One thing I like about Max is his poise,” Christie said. “I thought early, he wasn’t exactly sure. He is playing with Hall of Famers in DeMar (DeRozan) and Russ (Westbrook) and different things. I think he was a little like, ‘What do I do with it?’ Then all of a sudden… he is aggressive. When he is open and has time, he shoots the 3-pointer, which I’m totally OK with, but then now I think you’re starting to see him pump-fake and put it on the floor.”

Raynaud is averaging 10.6 points, six rebounds and 1.1 assists on 35% shooting from 3-point range in 24 appearances with the Kings. He is ninth in scoring among all rookies and is tied for the second-most double-doubles.

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The 7-footer has played a more prominent role for Christie and is averaging 14.9 points, 9.3 rebounds and 1.4 assists while shooting 56% from the field as a starter. He has given the group versatility on offense and is improving as a rim protector and defender.

Raynaud has impressed the team throughout the season, prompting his move into the starting lineup. The team has been pleased with his production and is eager to watch his continued development.

“He has playmaking ability, so I think that adds to his poise as well because as he is dribbling, he is surveying, which a lot of big guys don’t do,” Christie said. “Watching him, his base gets stronger, his footwork gets better. He already has the touch. A lot to be excited about with Max.”

This article originally appeared on Rookie Wire: Kings news: Doug Christie loves the poise of rookie Maxime Raynaud