After a breakout rookie finish and a dominant Summer League showing, the versatile wing is primed for a massive sophomore jump in Sacramento’s evolving rotation.
The Sacramento Kings had a strong showing in the California Classic and Las Vegas Summer League, allowing their rookies to play alongside some of the returning second-year talents on the roster.
Nique Clifford, who was the No. 24 overall pick in last year's draft, played a do-it-all role throughout the tournament, scoring and rebounding at a high rate.
On Wednesday, Bleacher Report's Greg Swartz named Clifford as Sacramento's "Most Disrespected Hidden Gem,"noting his increased level of comfortability towards the end of last season.
"The game certainly appeared to slow down for Nique Clifford in the second half of his rookie season, as the 6'5" wing looked far more comfortable over the final few months of the year," Swartz wrote. "Clifford showed off his overall game, averaging 13.5 points, 5.1 rebounds, 4.1 assists, 1.4 steals and shot 35.8 percent from three over his final 28 contests and should be in for a bigger role in Year 2 with no DeMar DeRozan."
Overall, Clifford posted averages of 8.6 points, 3.8 rebounds, and 2.4 assists per game, appearing in 75 games during his rookie campaign.
As Swartz noted, Clifford's production rose towards the end of the season, as the former Colorado State standout became more involved after the All-Star break, showing real growth as a defender.
In Clifford's first 15 games following the hiatus, he 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.
The former Colorado State standout'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.
This defensive intensity was on full display at the Summer League as well, as Clifford frequently matched up against opponent's top wing players.
In the Kings' opening win in California, Clifford sealed the 79-76 win over the Brooklyn Nets with a go-ahead 3-pointer.
Clifford, who had struggled from the field leading up to that shot, talked about staying locked in down the stretch.
"I stay ready... Clifford told media after the game winner. "He [Darius Acuff Jr.] trusted in me, passed it to me, and I made a play."
Clifford and Acuff have already developed a good relationship, as Clifford explained the story behind him giving up his No. 5 jersey number.
After getting drafted, Acuff said that he and Clifford had discussed the jersey dilemma, which ended in the sophomore giving it up to the rookie... for free.
"I was cool with changing my jersey number. I know it meant a lot to him [Acuff], so he hit me up and asked how much I want for it, and I'm a nice guy, so I was gonna show love to the rook," Clifford said. "I ain't charge him. I'm trying to build that team chemistry early."
Clifford's multifaceted game and early signs of leadership will be invaluable for a Kings team looking to build around it's young core.
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