標籤: snubbed

The Sacramento Kings put up a bit of a fight against the Brooklyn Nets on Sunday night and came out on top 126-122 thanks to an explosive 32-point scoring night from Malik Monk, who had to play a big role for the team after Nick Clifford left early.

While Monk’s huge play will draw most of the headlines on the night for the Kings, the consistently solid play of their starting center, Maxime Renaud, should not go unnoticed among fans. Renaud, who is in the midst of an incredible rookie campaign, had another stellar performance himself, recording 22 points and grabbing 10 rebounds, while missing only three of his 13 shot attempts.

Renaud has gone under the radar for most of the season, and his disappearance from rookie festivities during All-Star weekend is puzzling for Kings veteran DeMar DeRozan. In fact, according to Frankie Cartocelli of Sacktown Sports, DeRozan is “pissed off” that he did not receive an invitation to the Rising Stars Game.

Now, DeRozan is urging Renaud to continue working hard so he can make the All-Rookie team.

“Don’t tell him, but from my perspective, I want him to make the All-Rookie team,” DeRozan said, per Brandon Nunes of Sacktown Sports.

Maxime Renaud making the most of his opportunity with the Shorthanded Kings

Renaud is showing himself as a keeper for this poor Kings team as he has made the most of his opportunity amid Domanotas Sabonis’ injury-plagued season. On the season, the rookie from France is averaging 13.8 points and 8.6 rebounds per game as a starter, which is quite a steal to get the 42nd overall selection of the 2025 NBA Draft.

Should the Kings decide to completely rebuild and sell off their veterans, especially Sabonis, Renaud should get even more consistent opportunities to achieve double-doubles like he has been doing.