SNAPSHOT
A big man who offers an impressive skillset for his size, Frechman Maxime Raynaud seems a strong prospect in the frontcourt ahead of the 2025 NBA Draft in Chicago later this month, showing excellent development throughout his collegiate career.
He has all the right tools to become an impactful NBA players, offering plenty on both ends of the floor, and although his game could certainly get tidier if he is to make the most of his possessions, but the blueprint is undoubtedly there after a solid NCAA campaign.
DRAFT PROFILE
The Frenchman grew up in Paris, becoming a strong prospect after a solid junior career with Lycee Henri IV high school basketball team. Boasting impressive physical traits for his age, he was immediately identified as a future prospect.
He made the move to the United States with a desire to play college basketball and increase his draft chances, signing with the Stanford Cardinal. Raynaud also had shown experience playing for France at international level, already bringing a solid resume to the table before his NCAA campaign even started.
Although it took him a couple of years to cement himself into the team's rotation, the big man broke out in his junior campaign, being named the Most Improved Player for the Pac-12, before showing even more promise in his senior season, being named to the First Team All-ACC.
Throughout his senior campaign, Raynaud averaged an impressive 2o.2 points, 10.6 rebounds, 1.7 assists, 1.7 assists, 0.9 steals and 1.4 blocks on 46.7 per cent shooting from the field, 34.7 per cent from three-point land and 77 per cent from the free throw line.
STRENGTHS
+ Ability to stretch the floor
+ Playmaking
+ Rebounding
+ Interior defence
IMPROVEMENTS
- Inside scoring
- Loose handle inside
For his size at seven-foot-one, Raynaud has shown an excellent ability to shoot the ball, bringing a playstyle that is quite suited to the modern game. An excellent catch-and-shoot operator, he ideally plays within pick-and-pop plays, and will benefit from playing with a skilled point guard.
Raynaud also has excellent playmaking as a big man as well, showing the ability to hold his own when dribbling the ball and becoming a connecting passer with ball in hand as well. He can make an impact with his passing at the high post or even out of the low block, making him a more balanced offensive player.
His impact on the glass is undeniable, using his frame to box out his opponent and his height to get first hands on the ball. Raynaud can secure the rebound on both ends of the floor, and often starts fast break and second chance scoring opportunities.
Despite being one of the taller players in the draft class, his post game can do with some work, with his bag in the low block surprisingly limited. If he can improve his footwork and touch around the basket, he will be much tougher to stop.
DRAFT PROJECTION: First round
Raynaud is a big man who is built for the modern game, showing an ability to stretch the floor and connect through his passes. He can impact on both sides of the ball and will slot into an NBA rotation nicely with his already balanced skillset.
