Kings’ C Raynaud Out at Least 2 Weeks After Injury Scare

Teammates and trainers formed a large circle around an injured Maxime Raynaud, holding his right knee in pain before he was wheelchaired off the court.

Raynaud was seen on crutches after the game and said he was heading for an MRI. The Sacramento Kings received encouraging news about the second-year center's injury scare, and it's the best-case scenario.

HoopsHype's Michael Scotto reported that Raynaud sustained a right patellar subluxation and will be reevaluated in two weeks. The injury timeline means he'll miss Sacramento's season opener against the Los Angeles Clippers on Oct. 21.

It's a significant setback for the 23-year-old, who played in every preseason contest. He recorded 10 points, five rebounds and one block in nine minutes against the Golden State Warriors.

Raynaud tallied 25 points, 18 rebounds, five assists and three blocks across two games against the Los Angeles Lakers.

The 7-foot-1 Frenchman looked much improved in the preseason. He's grown as a rebounder and shot blocker; part of that progress is tied to the 20-plus pounds of muscle gained in the offseason.

Ernest DeLosAngeles, the Kings’ head strength and conditioning coach, helped him grow quickly over several months. Raynaud said he spent more time in the weight room with DeLosAngeles and learned to take better care of his body.

That muscle has paid dividends in the paint, as the second-year center grabbed eight offensive rebounds this preseason. He faced tough competition against the Lakers with Kevon Looney, known for his high effort.

Raynaud also played competitive games in the offseason. He made a few appearances in the Las Vegas Summer League and helped lead the French national team to a 7-1 group play record in the 2027 FIBA World Cup Qualifiers.

The 7-footer scored 13 points on 6-for-7 from the field, including 1-for-1 from three, in 18 minutes off the bench. He stepped up in Rudy Gobert's absence, as he sat out the game. It was his second straight double-digit scoring outing, dropping 12 points in France's blowout win over Slovenia in nine minutes.

Sacramento's center rotation has taken a hit with Raynaud sidelined. Dylan Cardwell will have to step up as Domantas Sabonis' backup, or play alongside him in double-big lineups.

Cardwell is the most defensively gifted of the trio, averaging 1.5 blocks in 44 games last season. He's a high-energy, high-motor player who never gives up on plays.

The 24-year-old has tallied 17 rebounds this preseason and didn't play in Saturday's loss.

Raynaud missing at least two weeks is encouraging for the Kings, considering the pain he was in and how he left the court. They have the depth to cover for his absence until he returns.