Sacramento (United States) (AFP) – Frenchman Maxime Raynaud shared his frustration on Friday evening after his right knee injury, which keeps him out of action and from which he is recovering "step by step".

Published on: 07/11/2026 - 11:48

The 23-year-old center of the Sacramento Kings, very interesting last season (12.5 points and 7.5 rebounds on average) for his first year, detailed during an interview with AFP the trying pace of the league, the American work culture, the complicated start of the Kings, and his desire to return to the floor.

QUESTION: How has your knee been since your injury (a partial dislocation of the right patella) during a preparation match?

ANSWER: "It's better, it's been three weeks, almost four. I'm doing rehabilitation, I'm slowly starting to get back on the pitch. Everything is going well. I'm looking at what the coaches and physiotherapists are telling me, I'm taking it step by step for the moment."

Q: Did it take a toll on your mind?

A: "Yes, obviously. Everyone wants to start strong, especially when you're working hard during the summer. So obviously it's a little frustrating. It's been over five years since I missed a match due to injury so it's annoying, but you can't control that."

Q: You are watching from the bench a delicate start to the Kings season: Sacramento has only one victory for eight defeats.

A: "It's complicated, because we had a lot of early injuries. We have Ben (Simmons, who is suffering from a ruptured Achilles tendon, editor's note) who is out for the season, I was out the last four weeks, Keegan (Murray) was out for his ankle... So from the start, we couldn't play with the players we wanted. But apart from that, we remain a talented team, which will find its rhythm."

Q: What do you plan to bring when you return?

A: “Not bad scoring, a little more fluidity in attack. In defense, a lot of voice, a little interior presence and being able to simplify the game for everyone.”

Q: How have you participated in group life since your injury?

A: "I'm there all the time! At meetings, in training, on trips, I do everything like the others. It's just that once they are on the field, I have my process on the side which is different. But I spend almost more time in the (sports) hall than before: I have to arrive a little earlier for treatment, and I stay a little later to see the coaches."

Q: Is this a team you see yourself staying with for a long time?

A: "Until they don't want me anymore! I'm under contract for two more years, so I hope to stay. There is Scott (Perry, the manager of the Sacramento Kings appointed in April 2025, editor's note) who drafted me. I was a bit of his first vintage, so obviously they are investing quite a bit in me, in Nique (Clifford, arriving in 2025) and in Darius" (Acuff Jr, drafted this summer and which averages 25.6 pts).

Q: What did you learn the most from last season?

A: “How long and taxing a season can be on the body and the mind. You really have to be able to prepare for matches and recover well, in order to be able to play 82 matches. It’s huge.”

Q: What have you absorbed from American culture?

A: "Since it's been five years since I left (from France to join Stanford University), my professional and young adult life is almost entirely in the United States. So my professional relationships and my way of approaching work too, with a very American mentality: always be positive, communicate a lot, and concentrate on what we can do individually."

Q: Your team played against Victor Wembanyama's team this evening (final victory for Spurs 124-109), what do you wish for them?

A: "A lot of health, that's what I'm missing at the moment and for him it's important. A lot of joy while playing, and continuing to be as dominant as he was during last year. He's a colleague from the France team, so we need him!"

© 2026 AFP

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