Maxime Raynaud

Raynaud graduated from Lycée Henri-IV in his native Paris. Seeking to continue his basketball development in the United States, he committed to the Stanford Cardinal in 2021.^[1] He earned a place in Stanford’s regular rotation during his first two collegiate seasons under head coach Jerod Haase, gradually increasing his role and responsibilities.

Raynaud’s progression accelerated following his sophomore year, when a shift in mindset and work habits became evident. According to the San Francisco Chronicle, assistant coach David Berkun encouraged Raynaud to simplify his approach, increase his overall effort, and focus less on questioning, a change that translated into improved consistency and impact on both ends of the court.^[2]

As a junior during the 2023–24 season, Raynaud emerged as one of Stanford’s most productive players, averaging 15.5 points and 9.6 rebounds per game. His performances earned him second-team All-Pac-12 honors, as well as the conference’s Most Improved Player award.

Following the departure of Haase at the conclusion of the season, Raynaud entered the NCAA transfer portal and explored other options before ultimately deciding to remain at Stanford. He withdrew from the portal and committed to playing under newly appointed head coach Kyle Smith as the program prepared for its inaugural season in the Atlantic Coast Conference.^[3][4]

Raynaud’s senior season (2024–25) marked the peak of his collegiate career. He posted career-high averages of 20.1 points and 10.9 rebounds per game, recording 23 double-doubles, leading the ACC in rebounding, and ranking among the national statistical leaders. He was named first-team All-ACC and ACC Scholar-Athlete of the Year, and became one of only three major-conference players in recent history to average at least 20 points, 10 rebounds, and 50 three-point field goals in a single season, alongside Kevin Durant and Carmelo Anthony.^[5]

At the conclusion of the season, Raynaud was also named recipient of the Skip Prosser Award, recognizing the ACC’s top scholar-athlete.^[6] Raynaud graduated with a double major in Mathematics and Computer Science.

Raynaud was selected 42nd overall in the 2025 NBA draft by the Sacramento Kings and signed a three-year rookie contract on July 3, 2025.^[7][8] On November 4, he was assigned to the Stockton Kings of the NBA G League.^[9][10]

After limited playing time early in the season, Raynaud earned a larger role following an injury to Domantas Sabonis. Beginning in late November 2025, his production increased, including a 19-point performance against the Utah Jazz on November 30, with 16 points scored in the fourth quarter.^[11] Raynaud recorded a then career-high 25 points, along with six rebounds and three assists, against the Houston Rockets on December 4.^[12] Two days later, he made his first NBA start against the Miami Heat, finishing with 12 points and 10 rebounds.^[12] Raynaud later confirmed that teammate Russell Westbrook contributed to his development during his first year in the league.^[13]

On March 17, 2026, Raynaud recorded a career-high 32 points and nine rebounds in a 104–132 loss to the San Antonio Spurs.^[14] For the month of March 2026, he was named Western Conference Rookie of the Month after averaging 17.9 points, 8.5 rebounds and 1.8 assists per game over 15 games, while shooting 59.5% from the field.^[15]

Raynaud became the first second-round pick in NBA history to average at least 12 points and 7 rebounds per game while shooting above 55 percent from the field as a rookie.^[16]

Christie described Raynaud as a “sponge” for his ability to absorb coaching quickly, praising his game understanding, positioning, and defensive awareness. Raynaud himself noted growing on-court chemistry with his teammates: “I know where I have to be and when… It’s easier now than on the first day of training camp”.^[12]

Raynaud has been a member of the France national team, competing at several levels of their junior program. He was a starter on the French team that won gold at the 2023 FIBA U20 European Championship, leading the team in scoring (26) in their championship win over Israel.^[17]

• List of All-Atlantic Coast Conference men's basketball teams