Sacramento Kings get glowing reviews for Nique Clifford pick

2025 NBA Draft reviews and grades are often meaningless, but don’t let that deter you from the fact that the Sacramento Kings are being viewed as one of Wednesday night’s biggest winners.

It typically takes some time to discover if an NBA prospect is a hit or miss, but several national media outlets, scouts, and analysts view Sacramento’s trade for the 24th overall pick, Nique Clifford, as a success for the Beam Team.

Clifford, a 6’6 guard-forward out of Colorado State, was seen as a top-20 pick by most Mock Drafts, but was available when new Kings general manager Scott Perry was in the process of negotiating a trade to get into the end of the first round.

Perry dealt a heavily protected (1-16th) 2027 first-round pick to the reigning champion Oklahoma City Thunder, who, in reality, don’t need to add more rookies to an already young, star-studded team, in return for the 24th pick.

Sacramento was heavily linked to Clifford in the days leading into Wednesday’s NBA Draft, and Perry struck quickly when it became apparent that the First Team All-Mountain West Conference was there for the taking.

Following the trade for Clifford, analysts and experts weighed in on the Kings’ trade that brought them an unexpected first-round pick:

“Nique Clifford is the most versatile player in this draft class.”@MOD4three believes the guard from Colorado State has a bright NBA Future ahead. pic.twitter.com/XGEVlLv2R8

— CBS Sports (@CBSSports) June 25, 2025

The Sacramento Kings are selecting Nique Clifford at pick 24!

ABSOLUTE STEAL.

Swiss army knife player this late is such a snag. pic.twitter.com/cHdWHsgqKU

— College Basketball Report (@CBKReport) June 26, 2025

With the 24th overall pick in the 2025 NBA Draft, the Sacramento Kings select Nique Clifford

Draft Grade: A+

Unsure of the trade compensation, but love this fit and player for SAC pic.twitter.com/YsiRLIPJbR

— Utility Sports (@_utilitysports) June 26, 2025

24. Sacramento Kings – Nique Clifford, F, Colorado State

Grade: A-

Clifford doesn’t have a signature skill, but he’s solid in all aspects of the game. He started as a defense-first player, then developed as a shooter, then developed as a playmaker.https://t.co/GdRMAoIIHl pic.twitter.com/C9Sfv1b1Xk

— SB Nation (@SBNation) June 26, 2025

Nique Clifford is a great pick for the Kings. Not a point guard but he is a playmaker. A great connective piece. Do-it-all guy. pic.twitter.com/TsX5xmIpIs

— Kevin O’Connor (@KevinOConnorNBA) June 26, 2025

“𝗖𝗹𝗶𝗳𝗳𝗼𝗿𝗱 𝗶𝘀 𝗡𝗕𝗔 𝗿𝗲𝗮𝗱𝘆” says @espn’s @JayBilas 😤

A powerful recognition of Nique Clifford’s talent and development at @CSUMBasketball pic.twitter.com/G00GPJ7W9M

— Mountain West (@MountainWest) June 24, 2025

Nique Clifford to the Kings is a steal.

He’s going to be able to hit the ground running.

Another one of my favorite picks in this first round.

— Tyler Rucker (@tyler_rucker) June 26, 2025

More on Sacramento Kings 24th overall pick Nique Clifford

In the weeks leading up to Wednesday night’s 2025 NBA Draft, whispers turned into what felt like screams that the Sacramento Kings were looking to trade into the first round.

Recently hired general manager Scott Perry had his eyes on several players who ended up being drafted elsewhere, such as Florida guard Walter Clayton Jr. (18th pick by Washington) and Georgia forward Asa Newell (23rd pick by Atlanta).

When Clayton and Newell came off the board, one noteworthy name remained–another that Sacramento had its eyes on during the pre-draft process.

Colorado State guard Nique Clifford, a 6’6 wing who was one of the best players in all of college basketball during the 2024-25 season, was there for the taking at 24th, and Perry made his move.

The cost: Sending the reigning champion Oklahoma City Thunder a protected (1st-16th) 2027th first-round pick, which was acquired from San Antonio during February’s trade that sent De’Aaron Fox to the Spurs.

The prize: Obtaining a young talent who, Perry and the rest of Sacramento’s front office hope, will be able to contribute in the short and long term for this Kings roster that could look much different come the fall.

Other deals were on the table for Sacramento throughout Wednesday’s opening night of the NBA Draft, yet Perry and his front office staff remained patient.

Sacramento Kings get glowing reviews for Nique Clifford pick

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