
Potential first-round pick Maxime Raynaud worked out with Spurs' Victor Wembanyama
Stanford forward and potential first-round pick Maxime Raynaud recently hit the gym with San Antonio Spurs center Victor Wembanyama in preparation for the 2025 NBA draft.
Raynaud was named to the All-ACC first team after averaging 20.2 points, 10.6 rebounds, 1.7 assists and 1.4 blocks on 34.7% shooting from 3-point range as a senior this past season. He ranked 11th in the country in points (707) and sixth in rebounds (371).
The 7-footer was pictured by his agency working on various elements of his game alongside fellow Frenchman Wembanyama and a group of other players. Raynaud is close friends with Wembanyama and even played with him in the 2019 FIBA U16 EuroBasket with France.
Raynaud was the only player in the country to average at least 20 points and 10 rebounds per game. He is the first Power 4 conference player to average those numbers, while connecting on at least 50 3-pointers in a season since Kevin Durant in 2006-07.
The 22-year-old established himself as one of the top international players in the draft this year because of his blend of size, athleticism, skill and versatility. He flourishes in the paint with his footwork and ability to finish with either hand, while also spreading the floor at a high rate.
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Raynaud emerged as one of the top performers at the combine, recording 20 points and nine rebounds in one scrimmage game. He helped his draft stock with the display and will look to keep that momentum going throughout the rest of the predraft process.
The draft will occur June 25-26 at the Barclays Center in Brooklyn, New York.
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