By Eurohoops Team/ info@eurohoops.net
Maxime Raynaud’s rapid rise in Sacramento has taken a striking turn in March, as the rookie center delivered a stretch rarely seen from a first-year player.
After a quiet start to the season, when he was initially outside the Kings’ rotation, the 22-year-old Frenchman has grown into a consistent starter and one of the most productive rookies in the 2025 class. His performances over the past month, however, have elevated him into far more exclusive territory.
In 12 games during March, Raynaud averaged 19.2 points on 63.2% shooting from the field, including 41.7% from three-point range, along with 8.7 rebounds, 2.0 assists, and 1.0 blocks in 33 minutes per game.
That level of scoring efficiency at such volume is exceptionally rare for a rookie. In fact, posting over 19 points per game while shooting above 60% for an entire month had not been accomplished by a first-year player since Shaquille O’Neal in 1993.
Beyond the averages, Raynaud’s consistency stands out. He surpassed the 20-point mark six times, recorded two 30-point games, and registered five double-doubles over that span.
Having entered the league as the 42nd pick, Raynaud is now performing at a level that exceeds early expectations and points to a bright future in the league.