Kings' 2025 Draft Pick Named Top NBA Summer League Rookie Over Cooper Flagg

Clifford had an impressive Summer League and that led to ESPN’s Kevin Pelton naming him as the top rookie during the Summer League over No. 1 overall pick Cooper Flagg.

“The 23-year-old Clifford was among the most polished rookies in this year's class after five years of college experience, averaging 18.5 points, 6.5 rebounds and 5.0 assists in Vegas. Given how much of Clifford's breakout as an upperclassman was related to shooting, it's encouraging to see him go 9-of-17 (53%) from the NBA 3-point line. It's not realistic to keep that up, but his savvy playmaking will be a strength so long as opponents respect his jumper,” Pelton wrote.

Of course, the Kings selected Clifford 24th overall in the 2025 draft after they made a trade with the Oklahoma City Thunder for the pick.

Clifford starred for the Kings, finishing the Summer League averaging 15.2 points, 6.5 rebounds, 4.2 assists and 1.2 steals per game while shooting 49.3% from the field and 45.8% from three in six games.

The 23-year-old rookie showed out in Las Vegas for the Kings and proved why he should have a large role in Sacramento next season, especially with their lack of depth at the guard position.

Clifford is a great scorer who proved that during his five seasons at Colorado State but he also showed that he is a great rebounder for his size and will also bring solid defense to the Kings’ second unit next season.