New Kings Player Shares Heartfelt Victor Wembanyama Story

The Sacramento Kings, seeking improvement after missing the 2025 playoffs, actively participated in the 2025 NBA Draft. They traded into the first round to select Nique Clifford and acquired Maxime Raynaud in the second round, with Raynaud being considered a significant draft steal.

Both rookies are expected to impact the Kings, learning from veteran teammates. Notably, San Antonio Spurs star Victor Wembanyama, a fellow French player, called Raynaud on draft night via FaceTime. Wembanyama offered heartfelt advice, urging Raynaud to continue working hard but also to enjoy the experience and embrace being "thrown into the fire" of the NBA journey.

Despite being younger, Wembanyama is highlighted as a potentially valuable mentor for Raynaud due to their similar playing styles as mobile big men. Raynaud, selected 42nd overall, is a 7-foot-1 prospect from Stanford known for his shooting ability. His senior year stats included averages of 20.2 points and 10.6 rebounds per game. He is seen as a skilled big man who can provide needed frontcourt help for the Kings.