Parallels between Nique Clifford and Josh Hart lay the blueprint for him to anchor the Kings' defense and solidify their rebuilding core.
Nique Clifford recorded nearly identical numbers to Year 2 Josh Hart in his rookie season, suggesting a promising future for the Sacramento Kings.
Clifford graded out as the better offensive player, while Hart bested him in the defensive metrics. These stats don't project a player's trajectory, but they do provide a baseline of what they can become.
Hart has transformed into one of the NBA's best rebounding guards and can guard multiple positions effectively. His hard-nosed mentality helped the New York Knicks win their first NBA title in 50 years.
Sacramento is in a rebuilding era -- far from making the playoffs, let alone the NBA Finals. The team can use this period to build a strong foundation, and Clifford can solidify his standing with the young core.
Clifford said he's working on becoming a more versatile player heading into his second season.
His on-court impact was inconsistent when Zach LaVine and Russell Westbrook were ahead of him in the rotation. Injuries to those two opened minutes for the rookie, and his versatility became apparent.
He averaged more than one steal per game in March, including a career-high six steals against the Memphis Grizzlies on Feb. 23.
Clifford had more in-game reps guarding multiple positions. He used his 6-foot-5 frame and 6-foot-8 wingspan to disrupt opposing ball-handlers in the half-court.
The rookie's rebounding averages rose from under three per game before February to over four from March onward.
These traits made Hart an elite role player and earned him a four-year, $80 million contract he signed in 2024.
Clifford becoming a consistent positive defender, paired with Keegan Murray and De'Andre Hunter, can raise Sacramento's defensive floor. The team desperately needs defense, as it finished with the third-worst defensive rating in NBA history.
The second-year guard has the makings of a two-way player, and not one who stands at the three-point line waiting for the ball to come his way, but one with on-ball skills.
He scored a career-best 30 points against the Cleveland Cavaliers on Feb. 7. The former Colorado State prospect was ultra-aggressive, shooting 12-for-19 from the field and 5-for-9 from three.
Sacramento lost 132-126, but that's the assertiveness the young guard is developing for next season.
Clifford averaged 18.9 points on 49.7% shooting and 37.7% from three in his senior year at Colorado State. He had three stretches of four straight games scoring 20-plus points, including a season-high 36 points against Boise State.
The 24-year-old has potential, and the regular season will sharpen his confidence. Sacramento may have a talented two-way player who could help lead the team out of purgatory.
