How Will the Kings 2025 First Round Pick Impact Sacramento Next Season?
With the 24th pick in the 2025 NBA Draft, the Sacramento Kings made a strategic move by trading into the first round to select Colorado State’s Nique Clifford. In exchange, the Kings sent the San Antonio Spurs a heavily protected 2027 first-round pick, which is top-16 protected, which will convert into two second-round picks if it falls outside the lottery. This calculated gamble reflects Sacramento’s belief that Clifford can contribute immediately and offer a skillset currently missing from their roster. Rather than waiting on a future pick that may not yield much value, the Kings opted for a player they believe is NBA-ready, mature, and positionally versatile.
Clifford, a six-foot-six guard/wing, had a breakout senior year at Colorado State, averaging 18.9 points, 9.6 rebounds, and 4.4 assists per game. He shot an efficient 49.6% from the field, 37.7% from three, and 77.7% at the free throw line. His advanced statistics support his production. he posted an actual shooting percentage of nearly 60% and ranked among the nation's best rebounding guards, logging a 26.0% defensive rebounding rate. That level of rebounding from a perimeter player is scarce and signals Clifford’s physicality and effort on the glass, attributes that will translate well to the NBA level. His ability to initiate offense, defend multiple positions, and space the floor makes him a valuable plug-and-play option for Sacramento’s rotation.
One of the most NBA-ready aspects of Clifford’s game is his versatility. He’s shown the ability to play both on and off the ball, functioning as a secondary playmaker while also excelling in catch-and-shoot situations. Clifford’s off-ball cutting, court awareness, and team-first mentality fit seamlessly within Sacramento’s system, especially alongside high-usage players like Zach LaVine and Domantas Sabonis. Defensively, Clifford can guard wings and smaller guards while also holding his own in switches, a crucial attribute in today’s switch-heavy defensive schemes. His rebounding stands out most among Sacramento’s current wing options, who have struggled to support Sabonis on the glass. Clifford’s defensive IQ, hustle, and rebounding address a long-standing need on the Kings’ perimeter.
Furthermore, his maturity and experience add to his immediate value. At 23 years old with four years of college under his belt, Clifford arrives ready to contribute. He was named to the All-Mountain West Defensive Team and earned the Mountain West Tournament MVP Award, demonstrating his ability to impact winning in crucial moments. While his ceiling may not be as high as some younger prospects, his floor is substantially higher, which fits a Kings team looking to maximize its current playoff window. With continued development, particularly in refining his shot and decision-making under pressure, Clifford has the potential to grow into a reliable three-and-D wing or even a connective piece capable of running offense in second units.
In conclusion, the Kings’ decision to trade into the first round to secure Nique Clifford is a bold yet smart bet on present value. Sacramento sacrificed a protected future pick with limited upside to land a player who fills clear holes in their rotation. Clifford brings rebounding, defense, maturity, and off-ball functionality traits that the Kings have lacked on the wing. His game projects smoothly into the NBA due to his physical tools, production, and team-oriented style. As the Kings aim to solidify themselves as a playoff mainstay, Clifford’s immediate readiness and long-term fit make this move one of the more under-the-radar successes of the 2025 draft.
