Each day until the 2025 NBA Draft, Pippen Ain't Easy will profile one prospect who makes sense as a fit for the Bulls in either the first or second round. These players could fill a need, such as on-ball defense or rim protection, or could fit an archetype that Chicago lacks on its current roster, like an athletic big man or 3-and-D wing.
Thus far, we've highlighted a center and an athletic wing for the Chicago Bulls to consider in the second round. For our third player profile, we'll revert to the 7-footers of the 2025 NBA Draft class. The fifth-tallest player in the draft class and the only 7-footer to convert more than 30 three-pointers a season ago—Stanford's Maxime Raynaud.
The French big man averaged 20.2 points, 10.6 rebounds, 1.4 blocks, and 1.9 three-pointers per game. Raynaud converted 46.7 percent of his field goals, 34.7 percent of his triples, and 77.0 percent of his free throws as a senior suiting up for the Cardinal. However, his most efficient campaign came as a junior. Raynaud shot 56.7 percent from the floor and 36.1 percent from beyond the arc. Raynaud was one of 11 players to average a double-double and the lone player of the group to do so while averaging 20-plus points.
Maxime Raynaud's scouting report
Although Raynaud produced some intriguing statistics a year ago, his stock didn't take off until this past season. His advanced skill level and polish helped put him on the map. Raynaud demonstrated pick-and-pop and pick-and-roll ability, a propensity to score in the low post and on the elbow, and encouraging ball skills.
Offense
It's so easy to envision Raynaud in an NBA offense. He's a skilled low-post scorer who's just as comfortable on the perimeter. At 7-foot-1, Raynaud is a large target on the block. He does a great job of getting position to use his vast arsenal of post moves. Nearly a third of Raynaud's points came via post-ups.
He operates with a unique sense of decisiveness in the post, opting for quick moves and limited dribbles. Raynaud's left and right jump hooks were especially lethal, even 10-plus feet away from the basket.
Aside from scoring in the low-post, Raynaud's versatility as a roll and pop man is NBA-ready. The 7-footer does a tremendous job of sealing and making himself available as a recipient to probing guards. The former Cardinal isn't necessarily a lob target, but he finishes well around the rim upon the catch.
Raynaud's shot isn't the prettiest, and it takes some time for him to get off, yet those criticisms are irrelevant because of his height. The 22-year-old has no problem shooting over any defender. Moreover, he wasn't often tasked with attempting contested triples. Raynaud attempted most of his three-pointers in a pick-and-pop scenario or off the catch, without a defender in his airspace.
What Raynaud does especially well for a player his size is attacking closeouts. The Frenchman is comfortable putting the ball down on the perimeter when necessary. He's adept at pump-faking his defender and using a simple step-through followed by a straight-line drive to get to the rim.
Defense
Raynaud is a natural shot deterrent at 7-foot-1 and nearly 240 pounds with a strong understanding of positioning. He didn't post gaudy block totals, yet he improved his shot blocking numbers every season at Stanford, culminating in 50 blocks in 35 contests as a senior.
The 22-year-old center does well sliding his feet and walling off driving guards. He can get caught in no man's land in pick-and-roll actions, which can lead to easy lobs and floaters, but when he's decisive on the defensive end, he's difficult to overcome, whether on the interior or in drop coverage.
Raynaud is especially fluid and balanced. He never ceases to lose control and stays within himself defensively. The Stanford product averaged merely 2.0 fouls despite playing 33.5 minutes per contest.
Where Raynaud can be exposed is on switches. He's not equipped with the requisite footspeed to hound guards on the perimeter. Raynaud does a fine job flipping his hips and sliding his feet as a 7-footer, but he shouldn't be asked to routinely defend in space in an NBA setting.
An overlooked part of Raynaud's and most big men's games is rebounding. Raynaud averaged 7.9 defensive rebounds per game and plays with a special sense of hustle and aggressiveness. He doesn't only rebound well on the defensive end. Raynaud averaged 2.7 offensive rebounds per game and consistently scored after hauling in an offensive board.
Maxime Raynaud's fit with the Chicago Bulls
Just about any 7-footer with an above-average three-point clip makes sense in a Bulls' uniform. Raynaud is essentially Nikola Vucevic in the body of Zach Collins. Of course, he doesn't possess the vast offensive nuance of Vooch, yet it's an apt visualization.
The French big is an ideal pick-and-pop partner for Josh Giddey and Coby White. He sets terrific picks and, as mentioned, works well in either a pop or roll scenario. Envisioning a Giddey kick out to Raynaud following a bruising pick is all too easy. Aside from being used as a spot-up shooter, Raynaud's ability to seal and gain positioning makes for a tailor-made roll and post-up target.
Although Raynaud isn't the most imposing shot-blocker, he'd immediately be Chicago's most formidable interior deterrent. At 7-foot-1, Raynaud would be the tallest player on the roster. Like at Stanford, he wouldn't be tasked with a strenuous defensive role, which better suits Raynaud's defensive skill set.
A three-year starter at Stanford, Raynaud would assuredly be playable in his rookie season. His role would likely be similar to Golden State Warriors' Quinten Post, who worked more with his back-to-the-basket at Boston College before spending ample time on the perimeter launching three-pointers as a professional.
For more prospect profiles and all things draft-related, check out Pippen Ain't Easy's Chicago Bulls draft page. A new prospect's scouting report will be added daily.