Maxime Raynaud
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Sacramento Kings rookie Maxime Raynaud during a game against the Lakers in December 2025
Injuries continue to wreak havoc across the NBA, but the Sacramento Kings received a welcome boost on Saturday, with rookie Maxime Raynaud cleared to play following a concerning knee scare.
The 22-year-old exited Friday’s 129‑102 loss to the Phoenix Suns after a collision with teammate Russell Westbrook caused him to tweak his left knee, forcing him out midway through the fourth quarter and immediately sparking concern among fans and the organization.
An MRI, however, revealed no structural damage, according to reporter James Ham, giving the Kings a reason to breathe easier as they prepare for their next matchup against the Milwaukee Bucks.
Sacramento Kings Receive Positive Update on Rookie Center
Despite Raynaud’s scare, it quickly appeared the injury would not be serious, with the MRI serving mostly as a precaution.
“I’ll be fine,” Raynaud said postgame, via the Sacramento Bee. “It was just scary. I think it was just an unpleasing sensation you’re not used to.”
Kings head coach Doug Christie initially remained more cautious regarding his young center.
“He was smiling (after the game), so that’s always good,” Christie said. “But always fingers crossed for young players. He plays so hard and he plays with his heart. When you see stuff like that, it just doesn’t necessarily sit with you, but got my fingers crossed.”
The Kings have been without starting center Domantas Sabonis since Nov. 16 due to a partially torn meniscus in his left knee. With Sabonis sidelined, Raynaud has received extended playing time, starting 13 games and averaging 10.5 points and 6.4 rebounds on 54.3% shooting across 22.8 minutes per game.
In Friday’s game, he finished with six points, five rebounds, two assists, and one steal in 25 minutes before leaving with the knee issue.
In games where Raynaud has started, his minutes have increased to 30.4 per contest, and his production has followed suit, averaging 13.8 points, 9.1 rebounds, and 1.3 assists.
Rookie Provides Bright Spot in Difficult Season
It has been a challenging season for the Kings, who sit near the bottom of the Western Conference with an 8-27 record. Sabonis’ long-term absence has left a hole in the frontcourt, compounded by injuries to key players including star guard Zach LaVine.
Raynaud’s performance, however, has been a rare bright spot. Selected 42nd overall in the 2025 NBA Draft, the French rookie has adapted quickly to the NBA, providing valuable frontcourt depth and energy.
After four years at Stanford, Raynaud flew under the radar until his senior season, when dominant performances elevated him into late first-round conversations.
During his final collegiate season, he averaged 20.2 points and 10.6 rebounds over 35 games, ranking near the top nationally in both categories.
If he continues on this trajectory, Raynaud could become a legitimate contributor in Sacramento’s future. The latest injury scare serves as a reminder of how crucial it is for the Kings to manage and protect their young talent as they navigate a rebuilding season.