How Does Maxime Raynaud’s Shooting Impact the Kings?

Maxime Raynaud earned a spot on last year’s NBA All-Rookie Second Team primarily for his play around the rim. The Kings, however, believe the 7-foot-1 center is capable of much more.

In a chat with Spotrac’s Keith Smith, an anonymous Kings assistant coach highlighted that Raynaud has grown as a shooter. They also discussed the possibility of Raynaud playing alongside Domantas Sabonis at times because of their complementary skill sets.

Raynaud’s willingness to shoot from deep stood out during his two NBA Summer League outings this offseason. He confidently stepped behind the three-point line and showcased a smoother jump shot. Has he shown enough development to warrant defenders and fans alike considering him a “stretch big?”

Raynaud’s Increase in Volume

Last season, Raynaud averaged one three-point attempt per game and made 32.4% of them. While his efficiency left much to be desired, his statistics and volume changed significantly over the course of the season. In November, the month he first began receiving substantial minutes, he attempted just nine three-pointers. In April, a month where the Kings played only six games, he took 12.

Raynaud’s emerging confidence from three-point range coincided with the Kings naming him the starting center while Sabonis dealt with a torn meniscus in his left knee. Sacramento trusted him to play 20-30+ minutes per night, and in doing so, opened the door to the development of his game. Raynaud still lived close to the rim, but he slowly began to branch out as a player.

On July 12, in a Summer League game against the Washington Wizards, Raynaud scored 20 points on 2-of-5 from long distance. He tied his career-high for attempts in a game, exuding poise and belief in his shooting.

The showdown against the Wizards was his first after playing two games overseas for the French National Team. His stroke was fluid, and he even changed his shooting form. His new form and minimized hitch in his shot worked wonders, as he combined to shoot 3-for-7 in two Summer League games.

To my eye, Max Raynaud has made a notable adjustment to his three-point shot—his elbows are now pointed toward the rim, whereas last season they flared toward the sidelines. @NBASummerLeaguepic.twitter.com/0OzqeDHl3j

— Ryan Bohamera (@RyaninSactown) July 14, 2026

Raynaud’s Shooting Shakes up the Roster

Recent reporting from Sactown Sports 1140’s Matt George suggests Raynaud may play fewer minutes than second-year center Dylan Cardwell this year. Cardwell excels as an interior defender, an archetype which is few and far between in Sacramento.

Raynaud’s defensive shortcomings could limit his role, but his improved shooting may very well offset them. In today’s NBA, one of the most valuable skills any player, especially a big man, can have is shooting. The modern game relies on spacing, and if Raynaud can operate outside the paint, he can help open up the Kings’ offense tremendously.

A Raynaud-Cardwell duo off the bench may begin to emerge this season depending on how Raynaud’s shooting progresses. The Kings tried starting the two together twice during the NBA Summer League, but lost both games. Teams like the Cleveland Cavaliers and Oklahoma City Thunder have seen success with double-big lineups.

Raynaud’s shooting development could also strengthen his chemistry with Darius Acuff Jr. if he becomes a consistent threat from deep. Acuff attracts a lot of attention from the defense when he speeds into the paint. Should the defense collapse to meet him at the rim, Raynaud will surely be open in the dunker spot at times. But he could also elect to stay beyond the arc and knock down a three following a kick-out pass from Acuff.

Top 10 NBA Starting Lineups:

1. 76ers
2. Thunder
3. Knicks
4. Pacers
5. Nuggets
6. Spurs
7. Cavaliers
8. Hawks
9. Rockets
10. Raptors

(via @BleacherReport) pic.twitter.com/mIJXpo2Zve

— SleeperCavs (@SleeperCleCavs) July 27, 2026

Is Raynaud’s Shot Trustworthy?

It’s too early to call Raynaud a stretch big, but his growth over the past year has turned heads. Little by little, he’s shown that the three-point shot is in his arsenal. All he needs is the free rein and coaching to improve his efficiency and form. Since he started 56 games last season, he already gained valuable reps against high-level talent.

Maxime Raynaud 30 PTS (11-17 FG, 3-4 3P, 5-5 FT), 4 REB, 2 AST, 1 BLK, 0 TO vs. Sixers

4th rookie in Kings history with consecutive 30-point games. First since 1993 https://t.co/78iJ1WpUWapic.twitter.com/Jk7oSC91M4

— Role Player Performances (@BenchHighlights) March 20, 2026

To classify Raynaud as a trustworthy three-point shooter, he’d need to float in the 35-37% range during the season on solid volume. Expect his attempts per game to increase, despite being back on the bench. The year will test not just his jump shot’s fluidity and efficiency, but also how he gets to his spots.

Two Summer League games and a strong finish to last season don’t erase questions about his outside shot. Opposing defenses need to see him knock down three-pointers at a frequent rate before they’ll treat him like a legitimate floor-spacing threat.

Raynaud’s refined shooting mechanics and increased eagerness to shoot threes indicate the expansion of his offensive game beyond rim-running. The regular season will determine whether Raynaud earns the “stretch big” label, but he’s already shown enough growth to make his shooting development an intriguing storyline for Kings fans to follow.

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