Sacramento Kings rookie Nique Clifford has impressed his teammates and coaches throughout his first NBA training camp.
Head coach Doug Chrisite, star guard Zach LaVine, and others have noted the Colorado State product’s versatility on both ends of the floor, on and off the ball.
The 23-year-old joined The Allen Stiles Show after Tuesday’s practice, reflecting back on the last week.
“It’s been good so far. You know, it’s been a lot of hard work we put in playing hard against each other each and every day, and just trying to stack days making each other better,” Clifford said.
“It’s it’s been a lot of fun just trying to take it in and enjoy it. You know,i t goes by so fast. You see all the guys in their careers, [DeMar DeRozan] and whatever year he’s in, like 13 or something. And you just see how fast it goes by. So I’m just trying to take it one day at a time and enjoy it, because I know by by the end of my career, I’m going to want to not regret anything I did. So it’s been a lot of fun.”
Funny note that the first-year player underestimated DeRozan’s experience as the longtime veteran scorer is headed into year 17. But the value of his perspective has clearly aided Clifford.
“I feel like a lot of guys have been helping me out, trying to teach me things, and just been welcoming me with open arms and allowing me to learn and grow through some of my mistakes,” he continued.
Having played five years of collegiate basketball between Colorado and Colorado State, he said that experience helped aid his transition.
His teammates and coaching staff have backed this, praising his positional versatility, including his ability to play point guard at times. When asked what he thinks will surprise people, that’s what the rookie pointed to.
“I think everybody’s been pleasantly surprised by my adjustment of transitioning to the NBA level from summer league to now training camp. just being able to pick up things, like I said, quickly, trying to just learn the plays, and my playmaking.” Clifford said.
“I feel like they were all pleasantly surprised with how I read the game and just play the right way, trying to make the right plays. So that’s something I always continue to focus on, and want to translate to help our team win games. And I think the focus going forward is just continuing to do that, as well as learn, you know, all the different actions that we’re doing, learning how to play multiple positions and be effective in whatever role they throw me into.”
With a guard-heavy roster, Clifford’s confidence in his ability to guard point guards, shooting guards, small forwards, and power forwards could prove beneficial. But, like every NBA rookie, the Colorado State product will have to prove it at the highest level.
Wednesday’s preseason debut against the Toronto Raptors will be Colorado State’s products’ first chance to show out against their new home crowd in Golden 1 Center.
More Sacramento Kings coverage on Sactown Sports
“I personally think preseason games are valuable, especially now that we went from four to eight,” Sacramento Kings head coach Doug Christie said after Monday’s practice.
Beginning his first season as the Kings’ full-time head coach, Christie and new general manager Scott Perry have been clear in their goal of creating an identity this season.
What does it mean to be a member of the Sacramento Kings? Their core on-court principles include picking up full-cout defensively and playing with pace.
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Preseason
Wednesday, October 8th vs. Toronto Raptors – 7 PM PT
Friday, October 10th @ Portland Trail Blazers – 7 PM PT
Wednesday, October 15th vs. Los Angeles Clippers – 7 PM PT
Friday, October 17th @ Los Angeles Lakers – 7 PM PT
Regular Season
Wednesday, October 22nd – @ Phoenix Suns – 7 PM PT
Friday, October 24th – vs. Utah Jazz – 7 PM PT
Sunday, October 26th – vs. Los Angeles Lakers – 6 PM PT
Tuesday, October 28th – @ Oklahoma City Thunder – 5 PM PT
Wednesday, October 29th – @ Chicago Bulls – 5 PM PT
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