Dec 8, 2025; Indianapolis, Indiana, USA; Indiana Pacers guard Andrew Nembhard (2) shoots the ball while Sacramento Kings guard Nique Clifford (5) defends in the first half at Gainbridge Fieldhouse. Mandatory Credit: Trevor Ruszkowski-Imagn Images

'We’re Seeing Him Grow in Front of Our Eyes' – Sacramento Kings GM Lauds the Rapid Growth of Rookie Center

Originally posted on Hardwood Heroics | By Jordan Samar | Last updated Dec 11, 2025 6:03 AM ET

The Sacramento Kings may have been lackluster to start the 2025-26 campaign, but at least they’ve uncovered new gems in their rookies, Nique Clifford and Maxime Raynaud.

During a recent episode of Sactown Sports 1140’s “The Drive Guys” on Wednesday, Sacramento Kings general manager Scott Perry discussed his two rookies and particularly lauded Raynaud, who has played more in the wake of Domantas Sabonis’ knee injury.

“I think we’re seeing Maxime grow in front of our eyes,” Perry said of Raynaud. “It has been fortunate for him — but unfortunate for the Kings — with Domas being out; it helped push Max into service maybe earlier in the season than what otherwise would’ve been Domas still playing. He seized that opportunity, and that’s what you want to see from a young player.”

Dec 8, 2025; Indianapolis, Indiana, USA; Sacramento Kings guard Russell Westbrook (18) dribbles the ball while Indiana Pacers guard Ethan Thompson (55) defends in the second half at Gainbridge Fieldhouse. Mandatory Credit: Trevor Ruszkowski-Imagn Images

In the first 16 regular season games of his career, Raynaud is averaging 8.1 points and 4.4 rebounds on 52.5 percent shooting from the field across 16.8 minutes. The Frenchman was the 42nd pick of last summer’s NBA Draft.

Sacramento Kings will likely miss two key backcourt players vs. Denver Nuggets

The Sacramento Kings recently confirmed that Zach LaVine is out on Thursday against the Denver Nuggets due to a thumb issue. At the same time, Dennis Schroder (hip) is considered doubtful.

Dec 8, 2025; Indianapolis, Indiana, USA; Sacramento Kings guard Zach LaVine (8) holds the ball while Indiana Pacers guard Andrew Nembhard (2) defends in the first half at Gainbridge Fieldhouse. Mandatory Credit: Trevor Ruszkowski-Imagn Images

LaVine was one of the team’s top scorers in their 116-105 loss to the Indiana Pacers last Monday. The two-time NBA All-Star had 16 points, two rebounds, and three assists on 6-for-13 shooting in 38 minutes.

With LaVine and Schroder unlikely to play, Malik Monk, Nique Clifford, and Keon Ellis could all get more playing time.