While Maxime Raynaud thrived alongside Russell Westbrook, his new partnership with Darius Acuff Jr. lacks rhythm. Refining their pick-and-roll chemistry is vital to unlocking Sacramento’s dynamic offensive potential.
Darius Acuff Jr. and Maxime Raynaud played together in Summer League for the first time on Sunday, and they lacked the most crucial connector between a guard and center: the pick-and-roll game.
The pick-and-roll is a staple concept across all levels of basketball and is often the foundation of successful offenses. Acuff Jr. and Raynaud struggled to connect with each other through the pick-and-roll, which is expected with first-time teammates.
Development should occur over time as the two strengthen their chemistry. Raynaud is familiar with his role as a big man; he built a strong connection with veteran point guard Russell Westbrook last season.
Westbrook, who has 10,351 career assists, is a savant at feeding the big man in the pick-and-roll game. He assisted 17 of Raynaud's career-high 32 points against the San Antonio Spurs on March 17.
Sactown Sports' Matt George wants the Sacramento Kings, specifically Acuff Jr. and Raynaud, to run more pick-and-roll. Acuff Jr. and Dylan Cardwell have built some chemistry, but it's time for Raynaud's integration now that he is playing in the Summer League.
"I wanted to see the Kings focus a little bit more on trying to run the pick-and-roll offense that Russ and Max ran so much last season," George said. "I wanted to see that a little bit more than we did in tonight's game (Kings vs. Washington Wizards)."
Acuff Jr. averaged 6.4 assists for the Arkansas Razorbacks last season, leading the SEC. He's been slow to adjust to the NBA pace, and developing a two-man game with Raynaud could fast-track that adjustment.
Raynaud had a 20-point, 12-rebound double-double performance in Sacramento's loss to Washington. He looked much improved with polished post moves and shooting more threes.
His three-point shooting could make his two-man game with Acuff Jr. even more dangerous when it's developed. If his shooting improvement is sustainable, Raynaud would transform into a pick-and-pop threat.
He'd have some similarities to Golden State Warriors center Kristaps Porzingis and fellow Frenchman Victor Wembanyama. 7-footers who can shoot the ball bend defenses to their will and make the game easier for their teammates.
The Kings’ seventh overall pick and sophomore big man would significantly benefit from developing pick-and-roll chemistry. Acuff Jr. would have an easier time getting to his spots and scoring, and Raynaud would get the easy buckets Westbrook used to give him with his passing ability.
Sacramento's duo still has the rest of the Las Vegas Summer League and the regular season to strengthen their on-court chemistry. Acuff Jr. and Raynaud should take the floor together once again on Tuesday against the Brooklyn Nets at 6 p.m. EST on Prime Video.
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