With the season a few games deep, the Sacramento Kings are making moves. That includes assigning rookie Maxime Raynaud to their G League affiliate, the Stockton Kings. Honestly, this is the best possible move for Raynaud's development as he will actually get minutes and a chance to grow.
Kings have assigned Maxime Raynaud to G League Stockton. They tip off their season on Saturday. This is likely to get a practice in today with the team.
— Sean Cunningham (@SeanCunningham) November 4, 2025
The Kings are not always the best at developing young talent. So far this season, the vast majority of their rookies and young stars have seen very few minutes on the court. The only one getting out there is Nique Clifford and he's going to do well. Maxime Raynaud is a different story.
Raynaud was drafted 42nd in the second round by the Kings back in June. He's a solid young center that had some great showings during the preseason. Unfortunately, that didn't translate into minutes on the court once the regular season got rolling a couple of weeks ago.
So far, Maxime has played in two regular season games for a total of 15 minutes between both appearances. He's spent the rest of the time on the bench, learning by watching and getting very few minutes in. His transition to the G League could make all the difference for him.
G League time will help Raynaud develop
There's nothing worse for a rookie's development than leaving them sitting on the sidelines every game. Sure, they can learn a certain amount from watching the veterans play and paying attention to everything going on. When it comes right down to it, they need reps. Period.
On the Sacramento Kings, Raynaud was one of several centers fighting for minutes. On the Stockton Kings, he'll get the chance to be on the court, play with NBA-caliber talent, and develop his skill set. He'll still have to earn his minutes, but at least he'll have the chance to.
Being that the Kings sat him for five out of seven games, it was becoming obvious he wasn't going play much anytime soon. Raynaud has everything needed to succeed in the NBA. Putting in some reps in the G League will help get him where he needs to be.
Keep in mind that the Stockton Kings are the defending G League champions. Raynaud is going to learn a lot working with that franchise. The Kings need him to grow into the league and find his rhythm, and the Stockton Kings will absolutely help him get there in quick order.