Local kid and regional collegiate star Nique Clifford is headed to the NBA, taken with the 24th pick of Wednesday’s draft by the Sacramento Kings as part of a trade with the Oklahoma City Thunder.
The Sacramento Kings are trading for the No. 24 pick from the Oklahoma City Thunder and taking Nique Clifford, sources tell ESPN.
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) June 26, 2025
The standout wing from Colorado Springs, who played for both the Colorado State Rams and Colorado Buffaloes, was a breakout fifth-year senior in Fort Collins. There, he pushed the Rams through the Mountain West tournament as champions, past Memphis in the first round of the NCAA Tournament and into a last-second loss to Maryland in Round 2.
Over 36 games this past season, Clifford averaged 18.9 points, 9.6 rebounds, 4.4 assists and 1.2 steals a game — while shooting 50% from the field, 38% from deep and 78% from the line. It was the second straight year Clifford and CSU played in the tournament, with his star growing as Isaiah Stevens went to the NBA in 2024. And last year’s effort was actually the second time Clifford had made it to the second round of the dance, going that far his freshman year in Boulder.
After three years at CU, he left for CSU, where he grew tremendously as a player, and NBA teams will hope the 6-foot-5 guard will continue to grow his game. The Ringer rated Clifford the 17th-best player in this class, highlighting his position versatility, well-rounded game and frame as reasons to draft him. The 23-year-old drew player comparisons to Jrue Holiday, Moses Moody and Josh Hart. Yahoo! has him at No. 19 with comparisons to Khris Middleton and Desmond Bane. ESPN placed Clifford at No. 20 on their board, noting his competitiveness and instincts.
The Kings have a very uncertain offseason, with trade rumors about some of their top players. They missed the playoffs, losing the play-in game last season.
Clifford is the fourth first-round pick ever in CSU history, joining David Roddy in 2022, Jason Smith in 2007 and Bill Green in 1963. Clifford and Roddy are the only Rams drafted into the NBA in any round over the last decade.
