Could this Stanford big man sneak into the Suns’ rotation next season?
Less than a month. That’s right, the NBA Draft is now officially under the one-month mark, and the Phoenix Suns, armed with two picks, are staring down some pivotal decisions.
We’ve already started peeling back the layers on several prospects likely to be on the board when the Suns are on the clock at 29th overall. In case you missed any of those breakdowns:
I’m finding myself in the camp that the Suns should prioritize a big man in this draft. As I slowly, and sometimes painfully, work through my evolving blueprint for how to recalibrate this team — a piece I’ll be publishing next Sunday — one thing keeps resurfacing: Phoenix needs to target size, skill, and defensive presence in the frontcourt. And at pick 29, they’ll have options worth exploring.
I’ve already taken a look at Creighton’s Ryan Kalkbrenner. Now, here’s another skilled big who could step in and give this team meaningful contributions.
Maxime Raynaud, C, Stanford
- Height: 7’1”
- Weight: 237 pounds
- Age: 22 years old
- Experience: Four years at Stanford
- 2024-25 Statistics: 20.2 points (46.7 FG%, 34.7 3PT%, 77.0 FT%), 10.6 rebounds, 1.7 assists, 1.4 blocks
Raynaud is a skilled, aggressive big with a natural edge to his game. The Frenchman plays with an eagerness to attack the rim, and from what I’ve gathered watching his highlights — understanding, of course, that highlights aren’t built on missed assignments and bad rotations — he loves finishing with authority. There’s a bit of flair to his game too; a windmill dunk or two sneaks into his reel, which wasn’t something I expected to see when I first queued up the tape.
In the post, Raynaud is deliberate and tactful with his footwork, showing a comfort level in tight spaces and a willingness to absorb contact. He’s capable of finishing his jump hook with either hand, a valuable skill for a modern big.
From beyond the arc, he can knock down the occasional three, enough to pull defenders out of the paint and open driving lanes for others. His shot mechanics look clean and repeatable, and he’s fond of the pump fake before attacking off the bounce, with the ability to go either left or right.
Where Raynaud separates himself from someone like Kalkbrenner is on the glass. He positions himself well on both ends of the floor, using his length to track down rebounds and disrupt second-chance opportunities. Defensively, he’s an active rim protector who leverages his reach to contest shots and alter looks around the basket.
That said, there are limitations. He’ll need to add strength to hold his own against the NBA’s more physical centers, who’ll look to bury him on the block early and often. And while his instincts around the rim are solid, his lateral quickness on the perimeter is a concern. He doesn’t move particularly well in space, which could make defending switches a challenge at the next level.
Overall, there’s a lot to like, and at pick 29, Raynaud feels like the kind of high-upside, developmental big who could carve out a role in Phoenix’s rotation in time.
Tyler Rucker of No Ceilings had this to say about Raynaud this past January:
Originally born in France, Maxime Raynaud has been an absolute monster this season. The Stanford big man is quickly becoming one of my favorite sleepers in this class. At first glance, you think Raynaud is going to be this lumbering giant who beats people around the basket and can hit the occasional outside shot.
Well, he does that too. But there’s a lot more to his game that’ll get you in your feelings. The versatility with Raynaud continues to get me excited. He can hit from well beyond the perimeter before putting the ball on the ground and showcasing some impressive footwork. There are good flashes of touch with both hands, as well as some nastiness around the glass. Raynaud simply has some plays on film that leave you laughing out loud and quickly looking for the “rewind” button.
Where do the mocks have him going?
- ESPN: 24th to the Oklahoma City Thunder
- Bleacher Report: 29th to the Phoenix Suns
- NBA Draft.net: 43rd to the Utah Jazz
- Yahoo! Sports: 23rd to the Indiana Pacers
I’ll be honest, I like what I see from him. But with big men, it’s always a bit of a gamble, isn’t it? We’ve been down this road before. Alex Len and Dragan Bender were both lottery picks who flashed similar traits on paper: size, skill, and supposed versatility. And both quietly fizzled out of Phoenix without ever moving the needle.
The good news here? We’re not talking about a top-10 pick this time. At 29, you’re betting on upside, and if Raynaud hits, he could be a valuable piece for the Suns. A skilled, aggressive big who brings a little toughness and a lot of potential to a frontcourt that desperately needs it.
Watch the film. See what you think of Maxime Raynaud.
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