Clifford's defensive intensity and versatile offense shine, but can he carve out a role on a healthy Kings roster?
The Sacramento Kings selected Colorado State forward Nique Clifford with the No. 24 overall pick in last year's draft after a breakout senior season with the Rams where he averaged 17.9 points per contest.
Thus far, he has averaged 7.7 points, 3.6 rebounds and 2.2 assists, while serving as a lengthy and versatile defender, adding nearly a steal per game (0.9).
Throughout the season, Clifford has seen a steady increase in minutes due to the Kings' mounting injuries, taking advantage of additional opportunity. Since the All-Star break, Clifford's numbers have jumped to 11.8 points, 5.2 rebounds and 3.9 assists.
His shooting splits have also increased, but his biggest impact has been on the defensive end. Clifford is averaging just under two steals per contest since the break, while taking on a bigger responsibility with his defensive matchup.
In the 15 games since the break, Clifford has recorded two or more steals in nine of them, including a six-steal performance against the Memphis Grizzlies on Feb. 23.
Clifford filled up the stat sheet with 12 points, six rebounds and five assists, while adding his career-high six takeaways. Clifford’s impressive stat line made him just the fourth Sacramento Kings rookie in the Sacramento era (1985-present) to record 10-5-5-5 in a single game and the first since DeMarcus Cousins in 2011, according to SacTown Sports.
Unfortunately, Clifford caught the injury bug that has plagued Sacramento as of late, suffering a left mid-foot sprain earlier this week, keeping him sidelined for at least a week.
With Clifford's season potentially done, it becomes interesting projecting his role on a fully-healthy Kings squad.
The Kings' front court is deep, with DeMar DeRozan under contract through next season and Keegan Murray signing his $130 million, five-year rookie extension last year, the two starting wing positions are likely locked up.
However, Clifford's defensive skillset and offensive versatility provides the Kings with a solid bench piece that can come in, space the floor and force turnovers.
Clifford, along with fellow rookie Maxime Raynaud, who have both excelled since the All-Star Break, may be causing Sacramento to look at backcourt options in the upcoming draft.
Roundtable's Dean Simon reported Monday that the Kings are reportedly "really big fans" of Arkansas standout point guard Darius Acuff, who has gained steam as a possible National Player of the Year candidate.
Kansas guard Darryn Peterson is also a potential option if the Kings feel set in the front court, as he has been a consensus top-five pick all season long. Simon also listed Houston guard Kingston Flemings as another option should the Kings fall out of the top five.
Even with a crowded front court and an impressive incoming freshman draft class, Clifford has done more than enough to put himself firmly in Sacramento’s plans moving forward.