Maxime Raynaud discusses overall rookie season development

March 4, 2026, 2:10 p.m. ET

Sacramento Kings center Maxime Raynaud is emerging as one of the top rookies, and the Frenchman believes the game is beginning to slow down at this point in the season.

Raynaud is averaging 10.7 points, 7.2 rebounds and 1.2 assists while shooting 56.6% shooting from the field in 55 appearances, including 37 starts. He leads all first-year players in double-doubles (13) and is second in total rebounding (394).

The 42nd overall pick registered his latest double-double on Tuesday, recording 22 points, 10 rebounds, four assists and two steals in a loss to the Phoenix Suns. Afterward, Raynaud discussed his development and growth on the court this season.

I’ll look back at the end of the year and kind of see how much I’ve improved. I think the game is starting to slow down a little bit, but there are a ton of areas I still need to work on. I think the biggest thing is don’t get complacent, don’t get entitled, stay hungry and keep listening to the coaching staff, player development coach. I’m really still in the process of learning, then, once the season will be over, we’ll look back and assess the areas I’ve improved and the areas where I didn’t improve as much.

Raynaud is coming off one of his most productive months of the season, averaging 13.6 points, nine rebounds and 1.5 assists on 57.8% shooting in 11 games in February. He led all first-year players in rebounds (99) and was nominated for Western Conference Rookie of the Month.

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The 7-footer projects to have the chance to start for the remainder of the season after Domantas Sabonis underwent season-ending knee surgery last month. He has provided strong production in that role after receiving the green light to log extended minutes.

Raynaud has made a compelling case for an NBA All-Rookie Team selection this season, despite an uneven campaign by the Kings (14-49). He has emerged as a key contributor for the group in his first year and projects to have a bright future ahead.