Between Summer League, media day, and training camp, Nique Clifford is getting a taste of what the NBA has in store for him in 2025-2026. And with the support and guidance of Zach LaVine, Clifford will both survive and thrive.
The media will be on him perpetually, and fans will analyze his every move. Despite being a rookie, expectations on him to deliver will be incredibly high. It's a lot for a 23-year-old to deal with.
That's what makes having someone like LaVine as a mentor even more important. Zach has been in the league since he was drafted by the Timberwolves in 2014. He's seen a lot and done a lot, which is why Clifford is so thankful for him.
Nique Clifford enters the NBA
It's been a big few months for Nique Clifford. Back at the NBA Draft in June, the Kings completed a draft-day trade with the Oklahoma City Thunder. The result was Clifford being selected 24th in the first round and ending up in Sacramento.
Then came the NBA Summer League, which was his first introduction to the NBA. Clifford came out with something to prove, averaging 15.2 points, 6.5 rebounds, 4.2 assists, and 1.2 steals per game. He helped Sacramento reach the finals and made the All-Summer League First Team.
More recently, Clifford participated in his first NBA media day and is now in his first training camp. It all starts with the draft, but the NBA keeps coming fast at rookies like Nique. That being said, the pressure is nothing compared to what's coming in the regular season.
Zach LaVine steps into the role of mentor
During a recent training camp interview, Clifford covered a number of topics, including Zach LaVine stepping into the role of mentor with him. As a veteran shooting guard, Zach is the perfect mentor for a rookie shooting guard like Clifford.
Sacramento Kings rookie Nique Clifford speaks during his first NBA media day about the summer months after being drafted & Zach LaVine mentoring him. pic.twitter.com/rDI6GWN0Wv
— Matt George (@MattGeorgeSAC) September 29, 2025
It's not like LaVine is training his replacement. For the Kings to be real contenders, they need to have a good-looking depth chart. That means getting Clifford up to speed as soon as possible so he can play the two with efficiency, explosivity, and reliability.
At the same time, LaVine won't be a King forever. The last season of his contract in 2026-2027 has a player option, and LaVine might want to explore free agency. If that happens, having Clifford in the zone as a shooting guard will only be beneficial for the Kings as they move forward.