The Kings choose the top-level wing! Can he get a stable playing time next season?

In this year's NBA Draft, the Sacramento Kings completed a deal with the Oklahoma City Thunder, who received the No. 24 first-round pick in this year's NBA Draft from the Thunder and selected Nique Clifford, a big five winger from Colorado State. In return, the Kings sent a protected 2027 first-round pick (protected 1-16 overall) to the Thunder, which will be converted to two second-round picks in 2027 if the draft pick is not fulfilled.

Clifford was born in February 2002 and is a 23-year-old wing player with outstanding offensive capabilities. According to data from the previous joint trial physical test, Clifford's bare foot height is 196.2cm, his wingspan is 203.2cm, his standing height is 260.5cm, and his weight is 91.6kg. In the NCAA game this season, Clifford made a total of 36 appearances for Colorado State, averaging 35.4 minutes per game, averaging 18.9 points, 9.6 rebounds (1.5 frontcourt rebounds), 4.4 assists, 1.2 steals, 0.6 blocks, and 2.6 turnovers and 2.4 fouls. He shot 49.6% from the field (6.6/13.3), 3-point shooting percentage 37.7% (1.8/4.9), and 77.7% from free throws (3.9/5). With his outstanding performance, Clifford was shortlisted for the first team of the Mountain West League All-Series, the best defensive team of the Mountain West League Championship this season, and he was also elected the MVP of the Mountain West League Championship this season, which is enough to show how outstanding his performance is.

From the perspective of characteristics, Clifford has good physical talent and athletic ability. He can use breakthroughs to complete scores. He also has excellent outside shooting stability. His performance in passing and organizing offense is also outstanding. Clifford's versatility on the offensive end allows him to play in a variety of roles, he can play without the ball, and he can also take on the responsibility of holding the ball when the team needs it. Clifford is also a very reliable defender. His personal defense ability is also very outstanding, and his rebounding protection ability is also outstanding among players in the same position. Clifford's lower limit is actually very high. He is already a very excellent 3D type wing player, and he is also able to take on more responsibilities and play a more important role on the court.

From the Kings' perspective, they traded this first-round pick and selected Clifford in the hope that he could help the team immediately. Clifford is a very powerful player who is even capable of entering the team's starting lineup immediately and getting a lot of playing time. Next, we can also see how the Kings will make adjustments to the team's lineup this summer. Clifford may be one of the most mature players in this year's rookie. The Kings also seem to have high expectations for him. Can he shine in the NBA next season and prove his strength?