How Maxime Raynaud Earned Western Conference Rookie of the Month

The Sacramento Kings don't have much to take away from this season, as they sit at 20-57 with five games left in the year, but they've enjoyed the strong play from their three rookies in Nique Clifford, Maxime Raynaud, and Dylan Cardwell.

While all three have had their moments this season, Raynaud has been the most consistent and the biggest surprise (just edging out Cardwell's journey from undrafted two-way player to standard contract) as the 42nd pick in last year's draft. That consistency has helped him not only carve out the starting center spot for this season, with questions about next season with Domantas Sabonis on the roster as well, but it's also bringing in a high accolade for the rookie big man.

Sacramento Kings center Maxime Raynaud and Philadelphia 76ers guard VJ Edgecombe have been named the Kia NBA Western and Eastern Conference Rookies of the Month, respectively, for games played in March. pic.twitter.com/pjIDWAfg4E
— NBA Communications (@NBAPR) April 2, 2026

In 15 March games, Raynaud averaged 17.9 points, 8.5 rebounds, and 1.8 assists on 59.5% shooting from the field and 44.4% from three. Those are impressive numbers for anyone, let alone a rookie center. It typically takes first year bigs time to adjust to the NBA, and while Raynaud looked like he would need a year or two at the start of the season, he quickly improved and showed that he belongs in the NBA.

What stands out most about the month for Raynaud is his three-point shooting. It's not only a great percentage and a season-high for any month for the Frenchman, but it's also the highest volume he's shot from beyond the arc so far. With 1.2 attempts per contest, we're slowly seeing Raynaud stretch the floor more.

That volume will need to continue to increase, but it's a great first step towards stardom for Raynaud. If he can knock down the long ball at a consistent rate on 3-5 attempts per game, he could open up the Kings entire offense and make a case for All-Star potential.

Impressive Names to Overtake

Mar 24, 2026; Charlotte, North Carolina, USA; Charlotte Hornets guard/forward Kon Knueppel (7) drives to the basket guarded by Sacramento Kings center Maxime Raynaud (42) during the second half at Spectrum Center. Mandatory Credit: Jim Dedmon-Imagn Images | Jim Dedmon-Imagn Images

It's important to remember that Raynaud, unlike his Eastern Conference counterpart in V.J. Edgecombe, is not a highly touted first-round pick. For the 42nd pick of the draft to win an award like this, he really had to stand out and take down the big names from the top of the draft.

Only two players have taken home the monthly honor in the Western Conference so far this season, with first overall pick Cooper Flagg getting the award for the first three months of the season and second-overall pick Dylan Harper getting the honors last month.

The same can even be said for the Eastern Conference, where Kon Knueppel, the fourth-overall pick, took home the award the first four months of the season.

NBA Rookie of the Month winners this year:

Cooper Flagg (*3) - #1 pick
Dylan Harper - #2 pick
V.J Edgecombe - #3 pick
Kon Knueppel (*4) - #4 pick
Maxime Raynaud - #42 pick

One of these is not like the other...
Congrats to Raynaud for the much-deserved award! pic.twitter.com/KaObAroJNs
— Will Z. Stats (@will_zimmerle) April 2, 2026

It's shows just how impressive Raynaud's recent stretch has been. The Kings may not be winning, but Raynaud is improving on both ends of the court and showing the front office and everyone in Sacramento that he has the potential to be a building block going forward. This is also a great hint that Raynaud has a high likelihood of making one of the two All-Rookie teams.

Raynaud was snubbed from the Rising Stars game during All-Star weekend, but he's getting the recognition he deserves now. Hopefully he can carry over that momentum and continue to wrack up the awards with an All-Rookie selection as well.