{"id":226218,"date":"2026-03-19T01:37:32","date_gmt":"2026-03-19T01:37:32","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-ca\/226218\/"},"modified":"2026-03-19T01:37:32","modified_gmt":"2026-03-19T01:37:32","slug":"why-maxime-raynaud-has-been-the-bright-spot-for-the-kings","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-ca\/226218\/","title":{"rendered":"Why Maxime Raynaud has been THE bright spot for the Kings"},"content":{"rendered":"

In a season filled with inconsistency and growing pains, one name has stood above the rest for the Sacramento Kings: Maxime Raynaud.<\/p>\n

According to NBC Sports California analyst Kayte Christensen, the rookie center has been the clear highlight of the year \u2014 especially considering expectations entering the season.<\/p>\n

Christensen joined Sactown Sports\u2019 The Carmichael Dave Show with Jason Ross<\/a> to share her thoughts on Raynaud, the 42nd pick from last summer\u2019s NBA Draft, who continues to impress as the season winds down.<\/p>\n

\u201cYeah, no, I think that Max probably is the highlight, right? Just based on expectations,\u201d Christensen said on Sactown Sports. \u201cMy expectation was that he would get some time. I didn\u2019t think he would really get a lot of time, and certainly not be a featured part of it.\u201d<\/p>\n

Instead, Raynaud has done far more than simply contribute. The second-round pick has logged heavy minutes, started games, and consistently produced against top competition.<\/p>\n

More on Kings rookie Maxime Raynaud<\/p>\n

Christensen emphasized that his growth isn\u2019t empty production \u2014 it\u2019s happening against legitimate NBA talent.<\/p>\n

\u201cHe\u2019s played over 60 games at this point\u2026 and he started over 40 games. That\u2019s meaningful,\u201d she explained. \u201cHis production is against the best in the league at his position, and he\u2019s been able to maintain and continue to build and grow on that.\u201d<\/p>\n

Maxime Raynaud, who scored a career-high 32 points during Tuesday\u2019s matchup against Victor Wembanyama and the San Antonio Spurs<\/a>, is averaging 11.4 points and 7.3 rebounds per game on 56 percent shooting from the field. The French product also leads the rookie class in double-doubles (15).<\/p>\n

Christensen went a step further, making it clear she believes this is sustainable.<\/p>\n

\u201cI am not operating under an illusion that it is temporary. I think this is legit.\u201d<\/p>\n

A major factor in Maxime Raynaud\u2019s rapid development has been his on-court connection with veteran guard Russell Westbrook. The former MVP has taken on a leadership role, helping elevate the rookie\u2019s game \u2014 particularly in the two-man action.<\/p>\n

\u201cThey have certainly developed a chemistry together,\u201d Christensen said. \u201cRuss is really trying to feature him and grow him, and it benefits Russ\u2019s game as well.\u201d<\/p>\n

The numbers back it up. When Westbrook is on the floor, Raynaud\u2019s scoring and efficiency spike. When he\u2019s out, there\u2019s a noticeable drop-off \u2014 highlighting just how important that relationship has been.<\/p>\n

\"NEW<\/p>\n

(Photo by Tyler Kaufman\/Getty Images)<\/p>\n

Still, Christensen believes the impact extends beyond a single player.<\/p>\n

\u201cA lot of starting-caliber point guards are going to be able to run a two-man game,\u201d she said. \u201cBut it has to be someone who is really looking to play-make and run offense \u2014 not just score.\u201d<\/p>\n

Check out the full interview with\u00a0NBC Sports California\u2018s Kayte Christensen\u00a0by scrolling to the top of the page or by\u00a0clicking here.<\/a><\/p>\n

Listen to\u00a0The Carmichael Dave Show with Jason Ross\u00a0from 6 \u2013 10 a.m. PST, Monday through Friday, on\u00a0Sactown Sports 1140.<\/a><\/p>\n

More Sacramento Kings content from Sactown Sports<\/p>\n

When is the next Sacramento Kings game?<\/p>\n

The Sacramento Kings will continue a three-game homestand on Thursday night when they face the Philadelphia 76ers. at Golden 1 Center.<\/p>\n

Philadelphia claimed the lone regular-season matchup between these two teams on January 29th, winning by a final of 113-111 at Xfinity Mobile Arena.<\/p>\n

Be sure to catch all of the Sacramento Kings vs. Philadelphia 76ers action right here on Sactown Sports 1140 AM, with pregame coverage beginning at 5:30 PM PT on Game Night before a 7:00 pm PT tip-off from downtown Sacramento.<\/p>\n

Upcoming Sacramento Kings schedule for the 2025-26 season<\/p>\n

Thursday, March 19th vs. Philadelphia 76ers \u2013 7:00 PM PT
\nSunday, March 22nd vs. Brooklyn Nets \u2013 3:00 PM PT
\nTuesday, March 24th \u2013 @ Charlotte Hornets \u2013 4:00 PM PT
\nThursday, March 26th \u2013 @ Orlando Magic \u2013 4:00 PM PT
\nSaturday, March 28th \u2013 @ Brooklyn Nets \u2013 4:00 PM PT<\/p>\n

Thank you for reading\u00a0SactownSports.com<\/a>. Follow us on\u00a0Twitter<\/a>\u00a0and\u00a0Google News<\/a>, and subscribe to our\u00a0YouTube<\/a>\u00a0channel.<\/p>\n

Follow @FCartoscelli3<\/a><\/p>\n

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