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Kings' Nique Clifford Predicted to Be 'Swiss Army Knife' in Rookie Season

Originally posted on Athlon Sports
By Nathaniel Holloway | Last updated Jul 30, 2025 4:29 PM ET

The Sacramento Kings have had a busy offseason thus far as they have made multiple additions to their roster to chase a playoff spot in the Western Conference next season.

One player the Kings added this offseason was rookie forward Nique Clifford who they selected 24th overall in the 2025 NBA Draft after making a trade with the Oklahoma City Thunder for the pick.

Clifford starred in his five seasons in college with both Colorado and Colorado State and the Kings clearly saw something special in the young forward as they moved into the first round fo the draft to select him.

Ahead of Clifford’s rookie season in the NBA, Bleacher Report’s Jonathan Wasserman made a prediction about his potential role next season.

“Nique Clifford would likely be the first starter replacement option for the Sacramento Kings if Keegan Murray or DeMar DeRozan had to miss time,” Wasserman wrote. “Clifford has the skill set to operate as a Swiss Army knife or classic glue guy who'd fit well between more proven creators and scorers. But it's the improvements to his creation, shotmaking versatility and playmaking that propelled him onto first-round boards across the league.”

It is clear that Wasserman believes that Clifford will have a large role for the Kings next season off the bench but the 23-year-old forward could also start games if needed.

During the Summer League, Clifford impressed as he averaged 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.

Nique Clifford has been one of the biggest standouts at the NBA Summer League & it deserves more attention.

Strong playmaking display from Clifford — 1.58 A/TO + 22.4% AST through 4 games, leading Sacramento to a 4-0 record & playoff berth for the Summer League championship. pic.twitter.com/4TT7upwlU1
— Mohamed (@mcfNBA) July 18, 2025

The 23-year-old is a great scorer and rebounder who is continuing to develop his playmaking skills, which the Kings could use.

Clifford is also a great defender that Sacramento desperately needs in their second unit and there is no doubt that he should have a large role for them next season during his rookie campaign.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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