Should his current performance continue, Maxime Raynaud is on track to deliver one of the most impressive rookie seasons by a big man in the Sacramento Kings’ franchise history.
With averages of 10.9 points, 7.2 rebounds, and a 56% field goal percentage in only 25 minutes per game, his statistics might not immediately grab attention. However, within the Kings’ historical context, these figures are quite remarkable. A rookie big man approaching a double-double average places him among a select group of effective frontcourt talents for Sacramento.
Indeed, very few Kings rookie bigs have achieved comparable or superior statistical output during their inaugural season.
DeMarcus Cousins posted averages of 14.1 points and 8.6 rebounds (plus 2.5 assists and 1 steal) in the 2010-11 season.
Marvin Bagley, during his 2018-19 rookie year, recorded 14.9 points and 7.6 rebounds.
Brian Grant’s 1994-95 season saw him average 13.2 points, 7.5 rebounds, and 1.5 blocks.
Jason Thompson contributed 11.1 points and 7.4 rebounds in the 2008-09 campaign.
Consequently, Raynaud’s performance ranks as the fifth-best rookie season for a Sacramento Kings big man since the team moved to Sacramento. He notably distinguishes himself within this cohort with his field goal percentage, shooting 56% from the field, which surpasses the other four players. Furthermore, he accomplishes this while playing the fewest minutes among them (only slightly less than Bagley).
A ‘Per 36′ minute comparison among these five players reveals Raynaud’s rebounding prowess (10.4 per 36), placing him on par with Cousins’ rookie year (10.9) and Bagley (10.8), and ahead of both Thompson (9.5) and Grant (9.4).
It’s also crucial to remember that he was a second-round selection (42nd overall), whereas the other four players mentioned were all lottery picks.
Moreover, Max currently holds the 5th position on the NBA’s rookie ladder.
Raynaud’s limited 25 minutes suggest significant potential for increased production in the future. Currently, his ‘per 36 minutes’ stats stand at 15.7 points and 10.4 rebounds.
Realistically, the Kings’ draft history isn’t overflowing with Hall of Fame talent. Furthermore, their most remarkable rookie seasons have predominantly come from guards, including Kenny Smith, Jason Williams, Tyreke Evans, and Tyrese Haliburton. De’Aaron Fox, for instance, averaged 11.6 points and 4.4 assists during his inaugural season.
Acknowledge also the contributions of small forward Walt Williams, who posted 17 points, 4.5 rebounds, and 3 assists in his 1992-93 rookie year; Billy Owens, averaging 14.3 points and 8 rebounds as a small forward in 1991-92; and Lionel Simmons, with 18 points, 8.8 rebounds, and 4 assists in 1990-1991. Not to forget Keegan Murray, whose rookie season featured stellar three-point shooting along with 12.2 points and 4.6 rebounds.
Raynaud has emerged as a rare positive highlight this season and seems poised to become a vital rotational piece for the future. When combined with fellow Kings rookie big Dylan Cardwell, who currently boasts ‘Per 36’ stats of 9.1 points, 13 rebounds, 2.7 blocks, and 1.3 steals, the Kings appear to have promising frontcourt talent to complement their upcoming draft selection this summer.