The Kings' first game of the 2025-2026 preseason did not end the way they wanted to. An eight-point-loss to the Toronto Raptors was a sour note, to say the least. But a positive takeaway from the evening was the performance of rookie Nique Clifford.
After a trade between the Kings and OKC, Nique was selected 24th by Sacramento in the 2025 NBA draft. The 23-year-old shooting guard had a great college career, playing first for the University of Colorado and then for Colorado State.
On a team loaded with shoot-first guards, there was some concern that a rookie like Nique would struggle to find minutes with the Kings. Their first preseason put those concerns to rest as he ended up playing over 24 minutes, which was more than at least four of the starters.
Nique Clifford by the numbers
The real story is what he did with those minutes. His shooting was solid, hitting three of six from the field, sinking zero for two from three, and going four for four in free throws. He ended up with ten points. Only Domantas Sabonis, Zach LaVine, and Dylan Cardwell outscored him.
On top of that, Clifford led the Kings in assists last night, picking up nine and putting him one assist off a double-double for his first game as a member of the Kings. That kind of playmaking bodes well for his future with the team. Rounding out the evening, Nique also got two steals.
The only real criticism is that his play was a little sloppy. Clifford committed three turnovers and four fouls. He is a rookie but that needs to tighten that up. Nique collected the most personal fouls out for the Kings, though he came in second to Sabonis in turnovers.
Give Clifford consistent minutes
Keeping in mind that no one is suggesting that Clifford is ready for the starting lineup, he is someone who should be getting a minimum of 15 minutes every game. He has the potential to grow in to a reliable bench player and a key part of the Kings' second line.
The reality is that he is not going to get there without time on the court to learn the game and find his place. Considering how blah the starting five played last night, the Kings are going to need a stellar bench if they want to have even a decent season. That could start with Nique Clifford.