Following a standout debut, All-Rookie center Maxime Raynaud could join Domantas Sabonis in a towering frontcourt as coaches look to weaponize the sophomore’s expanding shooting range and size.
The Sacramento Kings' starting backcourt is set in stone, with Darius Acuff Jr. and Zach LaVine holding down the guard positions.
But, head coach Doug Christie will have some decisions to make about who will fill in on the wing alongside Keegan Murray and Domantas Sabonis.
Spotrac's Keith Smith spent 11 days in Las Vegas for the Summer League gathering intel on some of the teams in attendance, and noted some of the biggest stories about Sacramento - one being the potential for a two-big starting lineup.
"He had such a strong rookie season for us, even though we didn’t expect him to play as much as he did. We think we can probably play him with Domantas Sabonis some too, because of their skills," a Kings assistant coach told Smith. "Also, did you see him stepping out to shoot it more? We think that’ll be part of his game moving forward."
Raynaud was the lone second-round pick to represent an All-Rookie team, earning second-team honors last season.
After being picked No. 42 overall two drafts ago, Raynaud averaged 12.5 points and 7.5 rebounds on stellar 57.1-percent shooting, holding down the Kings' front court during Sabonis' absence.
His field goal percentage ranked ninth in the league.
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.
In March, following the All-Star Break, Raynaud really turned it on, earning Rookie of the Month honors.
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 national teammate Victor Wembanyama and the San Antonio Spurs.
Later in the month, Raynaud led the Kings to 126-122 victory over the Brooklyn Nets, dropping a 22-and-10 double-double and making a bold claim that puts him alongside two of the top players in the world.
"The Spurs have Wembanyama, Denver has [Nikola] Jokic, and the Kings have me," Raynaud said following the win.
Raynaud's ability to shoot the long ball will dictate his playability next to Sabonis, but his confidence is surely not lacking.
This offseason, Raynaud participated in the French National Team's FIBA qualifiers, where he looked the part as one of the best players on the roster.
The Frenchman missed the team's first game, but had an emphatic return against Finland, leading France in scoring with 16 points.
Raynaud looked explosive during the qualifier, recording multiple dunks and strong finishes on the inside.
For Sacramento, who will have upcoming decisions to make about Sabonis' long-term future with the franchise, developing Raynaud should be a priority.
