The 2025 NBA Draft is starting to appear on the horizon. Round 1 of this two-day event is a week away. If the Boston Celtics stand pat, they will first come on the clock when it's time for the 28th overall selection.
As pundits project who Boston will pick, Maxime Raynaud is becoming a popular choice. J. Kyle Mann of The Ringer is among the notable names forecasting Stanford's star center becoming a Celtic.
On the Game Theory Podcast, Sam Vecenie of The Athletic recently conducted a mock draft with Bryce Simon of Motor City Hoops. Simon, a former Division I player, also pegged the 18-time champions as Raynaud's landing spot.
"I really, really like his offensive game, and I think he's a positional defender," said Simon. "There's obvious limitations, [but] I actually really like this for him, and I think this could make sense for Boston also."
Is Maxime Raynaud a fit for the Celtics?
Definitely; the center position is the one with the least clarity on Boston's depth chart. Kristaps Porzingis, Al Horford, and Luke Kornet may be playing elsewhere next season.
It's dangerous to prioritize need over who a franchise feels is the best available prospect. It's a strategy the Celtics tend not to employ. Raynaud may also represent the team's best option if it stands pat.
Last season, the seven-foot center became the first major conference player since Kevin Durant to average at least 20 points and 10 rebounds and to knock down over 50 threes in a collegiate campaign.
Raynaud's 67 makes from behind the arc are the second most by a seven-footer in NCAA history. The only player to eclipse that figure was former Arizona Wildcat Lauri Markkanen, who made 69 threes.
Furthermore, Victor Wembanyama's former teammate in France possesses excellent touch around the rim. He's adept at finishing with either hand.
As covered in Hardwood Houdini's scouting report on Raynaud, his playmaking makes him a dynamic option as the screener and pitchperson on dribble handoffs. He has even demonstrated some flashes as a facilitator off the dribble.
At the other end of the floor, it's best to deploy the former pivot patroller for the Cardinal in drop coverage against the pick-and-roll. He's most comfortable and disruptive around the basket. Raynaud blocked 1.4 shots per game as a senior. He also had a noteworthy block rate of 4.3 percent.
He's an effective two-way center who fits the Celtics' offensive and defensive systems. If Boston stands pat and Raynaud's on the board, he will be among the team's best options at pick No. 28.