nbcsports
The Sacramento Kings have announced that backup center Maxime Raynaud sustained a right knee patellar subluxation and will be re-evaluated in two weeks. While the injury will keep him out for the first few games of the season, it is considered good news given how serious the incident initially seemed.
Raynaud went down in the second quarter of the Kings' preseason loss to the Golden State Warriors after colliding with Stephen Curry. The visual of the injury suggested a much longer absence, but the diagnosis of a patellar subluxation typically requires about two weeks of recovery, according to Jeff Stotts of In Street Clothes. Treatment mainly focuses on strengthening the muscles around the knee.
Raynaud, 23, was a second-round pick from France and made an impact in his rookie season, averaging 12.5 points and 7.5 rebounds per game. His performance earned him a spot on the NBA All-Rookie Second Team. The Kings view him as their center of the future, relying on him to set screens for Darius Acuff Jr. and anchor the paint.
Key Analysis
The injury is a temporary setback for Raynaud and the Kings, but the relatively short recovery timeline is a relief. Given his promising rookie campaign and the team's long-term plans for him, a two-week absence is manageable. The Kings will need to adjust their rotation early in the season, but Raynaud's return should bolster their frontcourt depth.
Originally reported by nbcsports.