It hasn’t taken long for Kings rookie Nique Clifford to turn heads league-wide.
The 23-year-old, whom Sacramento traded to acquire No. 24 overall in the 2025 NBA Draft, was listed by ESPN’s Kevin Pelton as the No. 1 rookie who stood out at NBA Summer League in Las Vegas.
Clifford is listed just above 2025 No. 1 overall pick Cooper Flagg, who ranked second on Pelton’s list. Charlotte Hornets forward Liam McNeeley is third.
Pelton referred to Clifford as one of “the most polished rookies” in this year’s draft class after he averaged 18.5 points, 6.5 rebounds and 5.0 assists in four games with Sacramento so far this summer.
Clifford also is shooting 53 percent from the 3-point line.
Pelton believes Clifford’s “savvy playmaking” will be a strength for Sacramento as the rookie’s career progresses.
Clifford’s showing helped lead the Kings to a flawless 4-0 record, as five other teams also finished with an undefeated 4-0 record. However, based on tiebreak procedures, only the Kings, Oklahoma City Thunder, Hornets and Toronto Raptors claimed a spot in the semifinals.
Sacramento will play the Raptors on Saturday at 1 p.m. PT. The championship game will be played Sunday at 7 p.m. PT.
