Maxime Raynaud (knee) out at least two weeks

After missing practice on Monday, Cardwell is now set to miss the start of the season. Maxime Raynaud (knee) has also been ruled out for the start of the season, so the Kings will be thin down low behind Domantas Sabonis. Precious Achiuwa will likely be tasked with filling the void in a limited capacity.

It could be precautionary, but it is still worth noting. The Kings host the Trail Blazers for a preseason game on Tuesday, so Cardwell’s status for that may paint a better picture. With Maxime Raynaud expected to miss the start of the season with a right knee injury, Cardwell will likely start the year as the backup center, assuming he’s healthy.

Raynaud was injured while attempting to set a screen for teammate Darius Acuff Jr. during the second quarter of Saturday’s exhibition. The second-year center appeared to take a hit to his right knee and immediately fell to the court in pain. Raynaud was eventually taken back to the locker room on a stretcher. If he misses time, Dylan Cardwell’s role becomes even more important behind starting center Domantas Sabonis.

The Kings were without Domantas Sabonis for Thursday’s game, so Raynaud started. An All-Rookie selection last season, the 7-foot-1 center made 56 starts for the then-injured Sabonis. Raynaud finished the defeat with a double-double, and he had 18 such games last season. With Sabonis back, Raynaud is at best a late-round option in 12-team drafts. However, it wouldn’t be surprising if his role expanded at some point, especially if the Kings moved Sabonis.

Cardwell’s final stat line is one that category league managers dream of getting when the games actually count. Not selected in the 2025 draft, his defensive activity made the 6-foot-11 center a fan favorite as a rookie. And that should remain the case, especially if Cardwell can provide value similar to what he did on Monday. Of course, fantasy managers won’t expect to see him put up eight “stocks” and 12 rebounds consistently, but rotation minutes should be available. And if the Kings find a new home for Domantas Sabonis, Cardwell could become a player worth rostering in some standard leagues.

As an undrafted rookie last season, Cardwell was able to make a big impact on the defensive end, which he carried right over into summer league. He isn’t the most dynamic offensive player, but Cardwell is a valuable piece in the Kings’ frontcourt and should be able to contribute defensive stats when he gets the opportunity this upcoming season. However, with Domantas Sabonis healthy, the minutes may not be quite as plentiful.

The scuttlebutt surrounding the Kings heading into the February trade deadline was that the team would look to move some of its veterans to kickstart a reset of the roster. No one was moved, and Sabonis underwent season-ending surgery to repair a torn left meniscus during the All-Star break. The veteran center once again being the subject of trade rumors is unsurprising, especially considering the Kings’ struggles and current salary cap situation. The Kings hold the seventh overall pick in this month’s draft, and Sabonis’ future could affect that, as well as Maxime Raynaud. Raynaud earned second-team All-Rookie honors and started 56 of the 74 games he played.

Flagg, Knueppel, and Edgecombe all received 100 first-place votes, with Harper’s 93 votes not far behind. Cedric Coward’s 29 first-place votes were the least of the first-teamers. Meanwhile, Derik Queen, Maxime Raynaud, Jeremiah Fears, Ace Bailey, and Colin Murray-Boyles were named to the All-Rookie Second team.

Raynaud continues to look like one of the best value picks of the 2025 class. He’s is currently eighth in the class in points per game, but since the All-Star break, he is fifth. Raynaud has been one of the few bright spots in what has been a tumultuous season for Sacramento. Depending on what moves the Kings make this summer, Raynaud could end up being a valuable option in fantasy basketball once again next season.

Raynaud had another impressive game as he finishes out his rookie campaign. In just 25 minutes, the 23-year-old center had 17 points and eight rebounds. Raynaud didn’t provide much in the other categories, but he’s shown himself to be a worthwhile fantasy option when starting.