Kings Big Man Making Noise with French National Team
· Yahoo Sports
Sacramento Kings center Maxime Raynaud is coming off of one of the biggest surprise rookie seasons in recent memory, far outplaying his second-round status.
After being picked No. 42 overall, 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.
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Throughout the offseason, however, Raynaud will represent France as part of their World Cup qualifying squad, joining five other NBA talents.
Washington Wizards forward Bilal Coulibaly, Raynaud, Atlanta Hawks forward Zaccharie Risacher, Washington Wizards center Alex Sarr, and Chicago Bulls forward Guerschon Yabusele represent the Frenchmen.
Thus far, the team is 1-0, knocking off Belgium 92-64 on Friday.
Raynaud did not play, but has been highly praised by Fred Fauthoux, the team's head coach.
"It's going very well, he [Raynaud] has a very high basketball IQ. Of course, he lacks experience in terms of European basketball, but he grasps the game very well during training sessions," Fauthoux said. "Whether it's the association with Victor [Wembanyama], Rudy [Gobert], the possibilities are multiple."
Raynaud's growth and comfortability level rose throughout the season, as he began to learn the professional game and find his niche on a rotating Kings lineup.
In March, 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 Wembanyama and the San Antonio Spurs.
Following the season, Raynaud's play was recognized, earning All-Rookie Second Team honors.
Veteran Kings forward DeMar DeRozan had given Raynaud his support for making a team throughout the season, complimenting him for his ability to adapt and consistent work ethic.
DeRozan explained that he was angry when Raynaud didn't make the Rising Stars Game during All Star Weekend, while saying he's enjoyed being able to impart wisdom in him and the rest of the Kings' young talent.
Now, with Darius Acuff Jr. serving as Sacramento's lead ball handler, Raynaud gets another playmaker to play alongside and grow with.
Acuff's abilities in the pick-and-roll will pair nicely with Raynaud's all-around game and willingness to make the extra pass.
These FIBA qualifying games will also allow Raynaud to continue to work on his 3-point shooting.
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