New misfortune for the Sacramento Kings

The Sacramento Kings can’t take a break even in the preseason. The Californian franchise, in the preparation duel on the Golden State Warriors court, saw how one of the most promising players on its roster could be injured for an extended period of time.

Maxime Raynaud, 23-year-old center for the Kings, was the one who starred in the negative news of the preseason day in the NBA. The play in question occurred midway through the second quarter, when the French interior went to block Stephen Curry to free Darius Acuff. However, Raynaud took a fortuitous hit with the Warriors star’s knee, with the Frenchman taking the brunt and instantly falling to the ground clutching his right knee.

After Acuff lost the ball in the same action, the referees stopped the game instantly so that the Kings’ medical staff could attend to a Raynaud who was visibly in pain and unable to support his affected leg. Finally, the player was removed from the court in a wheelchair and subsequently left the pavilion on crutches.

For now, the exact extent of Raynaud’s injury is unknown, as he still has to undergo various medical examinations. However, in the absence of knowing the length of time he will be out, the Frenchman’s absence is an important blow for the Kings after his first great year in the NBA, in which he averaged 12.5 points, 7.5 rebounds and 1.4 assists in 74 games played with Sacramento.