While the Sacramento Kings entered the night without a first-round draft pick this year, they still got in on the NBA Draft action on Wednesday. Sources confirmed to KCRA 3’s Michelle Dapper and Sean Cunningham that the Kings traded for the 24th pick and acquired Nique Clifford from Colorado State. The Kings traded with the Oklahoma City Thunder for the pick, in exchange for a 2027 first-round pick, protected 1-16 depending on the San Antonio Spurs’ record that season.Clifford is a versatile wing who had his career-best numbers last year, averaging 18.9 points, 9.6 rebounds and 4.4 assists. According to the Kings, Clifford ranked 14th nationally in both rebounding and double-doubles (15) as he was also third in the country in defensive rebounds per game (8.1).Clifford is a native of Colorado Springs and began his college career at Colorado, where he spent three seasons before transferring to Colorado State for two seasons.Ali Farokhmanesh, the men’s head basketball coach of the Colorado State Rams, spoke with KCRA 3’s Sean Cunningham about the Kings selecting his former player Nique Clifford with the 24th overall pick in the NBA Draft. Farokhmanesh also talks about being with Clifford on draft night in Brooklyn, recruiting him as a high school player, Clifford’s journey to Colorado State and how he’ll fit in with Sacramento.Watch the interview with Farokhmanesh in the video above. See more coverage of top California stories here | Download our app | Subscribe to our morning newsletter | Find us on YouTube here and subscribe to our channel
SACRAMENTO, Calif. —
While the Sacramento Kings entered the night without a first-round draft pick this year, they still got in on the NBA Draft action on Wednesday.
Sources confirmed to KCRA 3’s Michelle Dapper and Sean Cunningham that the Kings traded for the 24th pick and acquired Nique Clifford from Colorado State.
The Kings traded with the Oklahoma City Thunder for the pick, in exchange for a 2027 first-round pick, protected 1-16 depending on the San Antonio Spurs’ record that season.
Clifford is a versatile wing who had his career-best numbers last year, averaging 18.9 points, 9.6 rebounds and 4.4 assists.
According to the Kings, Clifford ranked 14th nationally in both rebounding and double-doubles (15) as he was also third in the country in defensive rebounds per game (8.1).
Clifford is a native of Colorado Springs and began his college career at Colorado, where he spent three seasons before transferring to Colorado State for two seasons.
Ali Farokhmanesh, the men’s head basketball coach of the Colorado State Rams, spoke with KCRA 3’s Sean Cunningham about the Kings selecting his former player Nique Clifford with the 24th overall pick in the NBA Draft.
Farokhmanesh also talks about being with Clifford on draft night in Brooklyn, recruiting him as a high school player, Clifford’s journey to Colorado State and how he’ll fit in with Sacramento.
Watch the interview with Farokhmanesh in the video above.
See more coverage of top California stories here | Download our app | Subscribe to our morning newsletter | Find us on YouTube here and subscribe to our channel