The positional versatility of Nique Clifford has appealed to Kings – NBC Sports Bay Area and California

Sacramento-The versatility of Nique Clifford on both ends of the Court and its ability to play multiple positions were primary factors behind the king’s decision to trade in the first round of the 2025 NBA draft to select the 6 feet guard-5 with the overall choice n. 24.

This includes the management of the offense as a leading guard, not necessarily the position that Sacramento has drawn up Clifford to play, but one who could have to use it for pure necessity.

With the free agency that looms around the corner, the kings still have the need to find a full -time guard. According to reports, the veteran Dennis Schroder intends to sign a three -year contract of $ 45 million with sacrament. Although the agreement cannot be made official until Sunday, during the press conference on Thursday at the Golden 1 Center, Clifford made him seem that an agreement between the parties is concluded.

Regardless of this, the recent debutant of Sacramento says it is more than willing to play the point if it is necessary.

“Whatever my role, whatever the coach who sees me and throws me, I feel as if I could go to do it at high level,” said Clifford on Thursday during his introductory press conference at the Golden 1 Center. “I want to contribute to victory, this is my final goal. Whatever you seem, [I] I just have to approach every single day as an opportunity to improve and learn from all the knowledge and guys around me. “

Clifford played guard’s point for most of his first years in basketball before, according to his mother Angel, he suffered a growth shot that changed the way the teams used him.

In Colorado State, Clifford polished his skills while developing in one of the best two -way players in the country.

Last season it was the 13th best rebound of the nation, with an average of 9.6 tables at a game despite being often exceeded in the 4-5-inch paint. Offensively, Clifford put an average of 18.9 points and 4.4 assists.

“Nique is a highly talented and versatile basketball player. This is what attracted us for him,” said the first year manager Scott Perry. “It can play multiple positions in this game on the perimeter, not only on the offensive end, but it also gives you that defensive versatility. We really believe that it will be able to combine practically everywhere on the perimeter from a defensive point of view.

“He improved every year that has been in university basketball. This is an important trait that we seek when we evaluate the talents that come out of the () collegiate ranks.”

Clifford and the Kings 2025 Second Draft Pick, Maxime Raynaud Center, were formally introduced during Thursday’s press conference. The event was attended by friends and family of the two new arrivals, together with several teams of the team who often exulted and made the event more carefree.

In addition to the pendant “Clifford the Big Red Dog” frozen who dangled from his neck, Clifford seemed to be more serious mood.

The kings’ plans could also have tilt for the next period of free agency.

“I am just enthusiastic about the opportunity to learn from the coming boys, such as Dennis Schroeder and several teammates that I will have,” said Clifford. “I will be able to learn from those guys and put me more comfortable in every position.

“He is just finding my way, finding in some way, to have an impact on the game, whether it is defense, rebound, break down the blows when I get them. I’m just trying to have an impact every time I pass on the pitch.”

Even if he has to play guard’s point every now and then.

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