The Stanford product parlayed a dominant second half into elite honors, shattering expectations as a second-round steal and cementing his future in the Sacramento front court.
Sacramento Kings rookie center Maxime Raynaud was one of the biggest steals of last year's draft class, playing like a lottery pick despite his No. 42 overall tag.
On Wednesday, Raynaud's production was recognized, earning All-Rookie Second Team honors and representing the lone second rounder to make either team.
The Stanford product averaged 12.5 points and 7.5 rebounds on stellar 57.1-percent shooting, holding down the Kings' front court without Domantas Sabonis.
His field goal percentage ranked ninth in the league.
Making an All-Rookie team had been a goal for Raynaud and his teammates throughout the season, stating his case in late April.
""I think I've put up the numbers to do it. Leading the league in double-doubles for rookies, I think I'm top-five in the last five years," Raynaud told media following the Kings' 138-109 loss against the Los Angeles Clippers. "I lead the rookies in rebounds per game. Obviously, started off slow the first couple of months, but I mean I had a tremendous second half of the year."
Raynaud really turned it on after the All-Star break, earning Rookie of the Month honors in March.
The 7-foot-1 big man poured in over 17 points per game in his 15 appearances, joining Otis Thorpe and Kareem Abdul-Jabbar as the only rookies in NBA history to record 250 or more points and 125 or more rebounds on at least 59-percent shooting from the field, according to a Kings press release.
One of Raynaud's top performances of the season came in late March, recording a career-high 32 points, adding nine rebounds and knocking down two 3-pointers against his longtime friend Victor Wembanyama and the San Antonio Spurs.
Veteran Kings forward DeMar DeRozan also gave Raynaud his support for the eventual All-Rookie selection following his showing.
"Don't tell him, but from my standpoint, I want him to make the All-Rookie team," DeRozan said Sunday night.
DeRozan explained that he was angry when Raynaud didn't make the Rising Stars Game, 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."
With the Kings positioned at No. 6 overall in the lottery with two additional second round picks to work with, the front office will look to strike gold again - like they did with Raynaud.
Sabonis' hefty contract is looming, which could mean a full-time starting role for Raynaud sooner rather than later.
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