A BIG man with the ability to stretch the floor and boasting a skillset that goes beyond what is expected in the frontcourt, Maxime Raynaud is a potential first round selection at the 2025 NBA Draft.

With excellent passing ability for his size at seven-foot-one, as well as an ability to knock down shots from long range, he should be able to find a role in the NBA with a unique skillset that pairs nicely with his impressive frame.

Although his post work needs improving, as does his ability to hang onto the ball if he is to become a truly well-rounded threat, his base as a player is certainly strong enough to justify selection at next month’s draft, likely in the first round.

Playing for the Stanford Cardinals in the 2024/25 season, he averaged 20.2 points, 10.6 rebounds, 1.7 assists, 0.9 steals and 1.4 blocks per game on 46.7 per cent shooting from the field in a seriously impressive statline for his size.

With that in mind, Rookie Me Central will run through some of the clearest comparisons to already established NBA talents, with Raynaud’s balanced skillset looking a lot like some of the more skilled bigs currently performing at the top level.

Brook Lopez – Milwaukee Bucks

One of the best two way bigs of the past 10 years, Lopez has forged an impressive NBA career and has the success to match. Drafted with the 10th overall pick of the 2008 NBA Draft, Lopez quickly became the all-time leading scorer for the Brooklyn Nets and was the face of the franchise for the better part of a decade. He was then traded to the Los Angeles Lakers and then the Milwaukee Bucks, where he won a championship in 2021. A big man who can protect the paint but has also developed a three-point shot, both of his biggest strengths are seen in Raynaud’s game, and if the latter can develop as strong of a career, it will be considered a success.

Rasheed Wallace – Detroit Pistons

One of the better frontcourt players from the 2000’s, Wallace may have gained a reputation for himself as having quite a temper, but he was also a very skilled forward. Drafted with the fourth overall selection of the 1995 NBA Draft, he made a name for himself as a member of the Portland Trail Blazers, With that team he was named a two-time All Star, and was an extremely efficient scorer who was also a capable dribbler and passer. He moved to the Detroit Pistons where he won a championship as well as two more All-Star appearances, and continued to have a strong career before retiring in 2013. Both he and Raynaud are solid playmakers for their positions, as well as boasting the ability to operate as a spot up shooter, so the young gun certainly has a place in the NBA.

Alex Len – Los Angeles Lakers

Although now in the twilight of his career, Len still was a solid performer in the NBA for a number of teams over the past decade. Drafted by the Phoenix Suns with the fifth overall selection of the 2013 NBA Draft, he was their starting centre for five years, and was a solid performer on the glass and when it comes to scoring out of pick and rolls. He then moved to the Atlanta Hawks, where he averaged a career-high 11.1 points and was truly at the peak of his powers. Although he never got the accolades for his efforts, he played his role as big man extremely well, particularly next to some talented backcourt players, suggesting Raynaud will thrive with a creative guard too.