2025 NBA Draft Scouting Report for Sacramento Kings No. 24 Pick Nique Clifford
The Sacramento Kings have landed Nique Clifford in the 2025 NBA draft after acquiring the No. 24 pick from the Oklahoma City Thunder.
Clifford was most known for crashing the glass at Colorado State, averaging 9.6 rebounds per game this past season, which ranked 13th in the country.
That's especially elite considering his 6'5" frame.
On the season, he also averaged 18.9 points per game, which tied for 42nd in the nation.
Few guards can match Clifford’s physicality and leaping ability, which he put to good use as a play-finisher, rebounder and defensive disruptor. He also improved his shotmaking profile, flashing mid-range pull-ups, three-point range and scoring versatility out of the post.
Of course, skeptics point to the absence of a single standout skill. Clifford didn't grade well as a spot-up shooter, and his role will likely shrink off the dribble at the next level.
He’ll also enter the league at 23 years old with limited reps against top-tier competition.
Overall, Clifford is athletic enough to hold his own, but he will need to prove he can stay impactful without relying on the ball in his hands. He may not need much development time, though, and could become a reliable contributor in limited minutes right away.
Clifford is ranked No. 20 on B/R NBA draft expert Jonathan Wasserman's 2025 Prospect Big Board.
Essential Facts and Stats
Previous Team: Colorado State | Position: SF/PF | Height: 6'5" | Weight: 202 lbs | Age: 23 | Vertical: 35½ inches | Wingspan: 6′8″ | PPG: 18.9 | RPG: 9.6 | APG: 4.4 | BPG: 0.6 | SPG: 1.2 | FG%: 49.6 | 3PT%: 37.7
Realistic Pro Comparison: Josh Hart
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Clifford is built to play Josh Hart's role in the NBA.
Versatility is likely to be his moneymaker. Hart has a tendency to fill stat sheets despite not being a primary option. And ideally, Clifford is also used as glue between better scorers and playmakers.
Hart attacks, makes open shots, passes well, rebounds and can bring defensive energy, traits that will likely define Clifford's playing style and pro career.
Strengths
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Physical Tools/Athleticism: Clifford uses his strong frame and athleticism effectively for play-finishing, rebounding and defensive playmaking.
Shotmaking: He's been a fairly reliable three-point shooter, but he also developed into a dangerous pull-up threat who can hit jumpers from the mid-range and post.
Playmaking: Clifford doubled as an energizer and creator for Colorado State. Offense ran through him for his ability to make passing reads off the dribble or in the post.
Weaknesses
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Lacking Signature Trait: Skeptics will point out Clifford doesn't have one speciality skill. He didn't grade well in spot-up situations, and he's likely to see a major reduction in on-ball reps in the NBA.
Age: Clifford will turn 24 during his rookie year, making him one of the draft's older players. He also didn't get a lot of experience playing against high-quality opponents.
