Has Sharp Surpassed Clifford in Kings’ Rotation?

Emanuel Sharp entered his rookie year competing for a spot in the Sacramento Kings' rotation, and he may have leapfrogged Nique Clifford.

Sharp played 12 minutes, and Clifford played two in Friday's loss to the Portland Trail Blazers. He scored five points on 2-for-5 shooting, including 1-for-2 from three.

Both played 17 minutes in Wednesday's road opener loss to the Los Angeles Clippers.

The second-round pick's 3-point shooting seems to be the deciding factor in Doug Christie choosing a rookie over a second-year guard. Sharp is shooting 50% from downtown in two games, while Clifford hasn't made a three.

His confidence is second to none. The 6-foot-3 guard shot 30 threes across five preseason games.

Sacramento desperately needs an unconscious floor spacer alongside rookie Darius Acuff Jr. and star center Domantas Sabonis. It tied with the Brooklyn Nets as the worst shooting team in the league last season at 30.4%.

Clifford doesn't have the same faith in his 3-point shooting, but he's a more versatile defender. The 6-foot-5 guard has a 6-foot-8 wingspan, pestering guards and wings alike at the perimeter.

Sharp is undersized, but his heart and hustle cover the size gap against other guards. He pressures the ball-handler, making them work for their buckets.

Ten preseason steals show his ability to force turnovers and generate extra possessions.

Christie praised Sharp throughout the preseason ramp-up, saying he believes he'll become a fan favorite. He also said the rookie has to earn everything, and it looks like he's rightfully won his spot in the rotation.

It's only been two games, which is a small sample size, and Clifford has time to bounce back. The second-year guard has one advantage over his peer: heavy starting experience.

Clifford started playing over 30 minutes in the final three months. His rebounding and passing became more consistent, averaging over four in each category.

The defense saw improvement, too. He averaged over one steal in February and March, including a career-high six steals against the Memphis Grizzlies on Feb. 23.

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 the matchup 132-126, but that's the assertiveness the young guard is searching for this season.

The battle between these two guards will be interesting, as Sharp isn't making it easy for Clifford early in the year.