Inside The Spurs

Locked On Spurs: Should San Antonio Pursue Another French Center?

Stanford Cardinal center Maxime Raynaud has impressed several teams in the pre-draft process, but is he worth the San Antonio Spurs spending a lottery pick?
Matt Guzman|
Mar 13, 2025; Charlotte, NC, USA; Stanford Cardinal forward Maxime Raynaud (42) after a dunk against the Louisville Cardinals during the second half at Spectrum Center.
Mar 13, 2025; Charlotte, NC, USA; Stanford Cardinal forward Maxime Raynaud (42) after a dunk against the Louisville Cardinals during the second half at Spectrum Center. | Jim Dedmon-Imagn Images

SAN ANTONIO — Victor Wembanyama hasn't been seen working out since his deep vein thrombosis diagnosis but once. It was in Dallas alongside fellow Frenchman Maxime Raynaud.

"I'm able to do hard work, hard lifting," Wembanyama explained entering the offseason. "It's all very controlled and light. Sometimes, I feel like I'd like to do more ... (but) it's logical, medial direction, so I trust the process."

Wembanyama and Raynaud have a history together. They've played chess, talked basketball and occasionally share Instagram Reels with one another.

“I’ve known Victor since we were probably 14, 15 years old,” Raynaud told the San Francisco Chronicle. “For as long as I can remember, everyone knew Victor would be France’s next great player. It was just obvious.”

That much was clear, even for French media who journeyed to San Antonio to follow the Spurs' No. 1 pick as he adjusted to life in America. But Raynaud? He's not quite at that level. Not yet, at least.

Raynaud had an impressive senior campaign with the Stanford Cardinal, averaging a 20-point double-double in just under 40 appearances. At the NBA Combine, he measured 7-feet without shoes and weighed 237 pounds with a 7-foot-2 wingspan and 9-foot-2 standing reach.

The biggest question regarding his game is whether the success he found in the ACC will translate professionally. And, if so, is he worth the Spurs spending a lottery pick?

Check out the latest episode of Locked On Spurs hosted by KENS5's Spurs beat reporter, Jeff Garcia, with Spurs On SI's Matt Guzman:

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Matt Guzman
MATT GUZMAN

Matt Guzman is a sports journalist and storyteller from Austin, Texas. He serves as a credentialed reporter and site manager for San Antonio Spurs On SI. In the world of professional sports, he’s a firm believer that athletes are people, too. He aims to spotlight the true, behind-the-scenes character of players and teams through strong narrative writing and sharp, hooking ledes.

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