While the Sacramento Kings don't always have the greatest success when drafting, they certainly did in 2025. Nique Clifford was their first-round pick, and he's definitely playing like it. This was especially true in a recent loss to Cleveland, where Nique laid down the best game of his career so far.
The 2025 NBA Draft has turned out to be key to the Kings' long-term rebuilding strategy. They selected Clifford as well as Maxime Raynaud, who have both proven to be great talents. On top of that, Sacramento picked up undrafted rookie Dylan Cardwell, who has excelled in the league.
Together, these three have formed the rookie core of the rebuild process. Other young players like Devin Carter and Daeqwon Plowden are feeding off that energy and finding their respective games. It's even putting some pep in the step of other players, like Precious Achiuwa and Russell Westbrook.
While Raynaud picked up steam early thanks to the long injury absence of Domantas Sabonis, both Cardwell and Clifford have quickly caught up. After his performance against Cleveland a couple of nights ago, it's safe to say that Clifford will definitely live up to his first-round draft expectations.
Nique Clifford takes the fight to the Cleveland Cavaliers
The Kings walked into their game against the Cavs knowing that they were in for a tough fight. Cleveland is having a bit of a choppy season, but they're still one of the better teams in the East. Plus, the Cavaliers are led by one of the best players in the league, Donovan Mitchell.
Keeping all of that in mind, it was a competitive game that the Cavs narrowly won. A big part of that was Clifford, who was the heaviest hitter on the Kings. He was the starting shooting guard, finishing the game with 30 points, four rebounds, four assists, two steals, and two blocks.
More than that, Clifford's efficiency was incredible. He shot 12 for 19 from the field for 63.2%. Even more impressive was his three-point shooting. Nique was five for nine from beyond the arc, shooting 55.6% from three. That's elite level shooting from the rookie.
The Cleveland match was a glimpse into the future. As he matures into his game, this is the kind of performance Sactown fans can expect from Nique Clifford. Once he and the rest of the Kings' young guns develop a rhythm together, the Kings might find themselves finally relevant in the West.