The Sacramento Kings do not have hgh expectations ahead of the 2025-26 season. It got even worse when they announced that All-Star center Domantas Saobnis won’t be preset for the season opener.
Thankfully, the team is doing well developing some of their young core. Keegan Murray has committed to a long-term deal with the Kings, while everyone within the Kings organization are excited for rookie Nique Clifford.
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Sep 29, 2025; Sacramento, CA, USA; Sacramento Kings guard Nique Clifford (5) during media day at Golden 1 Center. Mandatory Credit: Sergio Estrada-Imagn ImagesCredit: Sergio Estrada-Imagn Images
After spending five years in college, Clifford realized his dream of reaching the NBA in 2025. He has taken the long road to reach the league, but now that he is in the league, he wants to stay there. At 23, Clifford is an older rookie, which gives him a chance to help the team.
His maturity can help the Kings as a reliable shooting guard. Thankfully for Clifford, he is a hard-working player, which has led to his teammates showing him love, including veteran star DeMar DeRozan.
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DeRozan Praises Clifford for His Maturity
When asked about Clifford, DeRozan was very complementary for his young teammate. As DeRozan knows, being a rookie in the NBA can be challenging. However, Clifford’s age could be helpful because older rookies tend to be more mature than most players.
That has constantly happened throughout NBA history, which DeRozan is familiar with as a 16-year NBA veteran. It will be challenge to transition into the NBA as an older rookie, but it provides a strong foundation moving forward.
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For DeRozan, he sees Clifford as a contributor for the Kings in the 2025-26 season. He has the potential, so DeRozan would love to see the 23-year-old guard get his shot and do what he can do to keep earning it.
“How smooth he is. He’s very mature and smooth with his skill set. To have that foundation already with timing, he has nothing to do but get better and better. I’m excited for him, not just this year, but for his entire career,” DeRozan said after Monday’s practice.
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“I really believe that he’ll be a star in this league. The things he’s able to do, great kid, listens, asks questions. That’s a recipe for nothing but success.”
Clifford Will Get His Opportunities in the 2025-26 Season
The Kings have an underwhelming roster with their current squad, but they still have some good talents in there. Dennis Schroder, Keon Ellis, and Zach LaVine will probably play heavy minutes together with Malik Monk and Russell Westbrook as their backups.
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However, Clifford could surpass Devin Carter for the next spot in the rotation. Clifford is a more well-rounded player than Carter. At the same time, Clifford is also a gifted athlete with his physicality and leaping power.
He is not the most standout player, but he always works hard. That kind of attitude helps teams succeed, and the Kings need players like him to step up and prove their mettle.
If Clifford can continue impressing people within the Kings organization, he could be a difference-maker. Some people won’t go as far as DeRozan did by calling him a star, but anything is possible in the NBA.
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This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Oct 21, 2025, where it first appeared in the NBA section. Add Athlon Sports as a Preferred Source by clicking here.