French hoops icon Nicolas Batum praises Kings' rookie Maxime Raynaud, predicting a bright future.
Maxime Raynaud has been one of the steals of last year's NBA draft for the Sacramento Kings.
The rookie center, picked 42nd overall, is averaging 12 points and 7.3 rebounds per game on 56.8-percent shooting, while leading the 2025 class in double-doubles with 17.
Raynaud's most recent double-double came Saturday in Sacramento's 123-113 loss to the Atlanta Hawks, as he tallied 18 points and 10 rebounds on 5-of-8 shooting.
The 22-year-old Parisian also knocked down both of his attempts from 3-point range, which has become a real weapon for him throughout the season. In March, Raynaud has hit 44.4 percent of his long balls, recording three games of two or more 3-point makes.
Since the All-Star break, Raynaud has truly broken out, becoming a bright spot on an otherwise dreary Kings (19-56) squad. He currently sits at No. 5 in NBA.com's Rookie of the Year chase, maintaining a spot in the top five for over two weeks.
On Saturday, Los Angeles Clippers forward and French basketball legend Nicolas Batum talked about Raynaud's stellar rookie season, saying that his success is not a shock.
"[He had] four years in college -- that’s rare today in the NBA. But he’s a very intelligent guy. He’s got skills," Batum said on the "The Old Man and the Three" podcast. "He understands his role, he understands the moments, he understands the context. I’ve talked to him a bit. I’ve known him for a while. I even met him before he went to college. So I’m not surprised."
Batum went on to say that he was surprised that Raynaud dropped to the second round in last year's draft, saying he "thought he was a lock for the top 20." He also gave promising remarks regarding Sacramento basketball and how Raynaud will fit in going forward.
"He landed in a good situation for him -- he has a real opportunity to play, he has good veterans around him," Batum said. "The team’s situation is complicated, but they’ll find solutions. Sacramento, it’s a real basketball city. So it’s good for him."
Batum isn't the only NBA veteran praising Raynaud, as Kings forward DeMar DeRozan has been calling for national recognition for his rookie big man.
Following Raynaud's career-high 32-point night against his long time friend and rival Victor Wembanyama and the San Antonio Spurs, DeRozan talked about his personal goal for Raynaud.
"Don't tell him, but from my standpoint, I want him to make the All-Rookie team," DeRozan said last week.
DeRozan further explained that he was angry with Raynaud's Rising Stars Game "snub," while saying he's enjoyed being able to impart wisdom in him and the rest of the Kings' young talent.
"So it's cool, you know, pushing those young guys to be successful, it's fun to watch."
Raynaud will have a few more opportunities to push for an All-Rookie selection as the season winds down. But regardless of awards, he has earned a significant role on the Kings going forward.
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