The Kings’ tough start to the 2025-26 NBA season could be a sign of things to come for the foreseeable future.
With a team rebuild looking increasingly likely, young players like rookies Nique Clifford and Maxime Raynaud’s development will be crucial. The two already have seen some substantial playing time along with compliments from general manager Scott Perry.
Clifford sees himself and Raynaud as players to help Sacramento build toward contention.
“We came in together, so we want to see each other be successful and kind of help build the ground up for Sacramento Kings basketball,” Clifford told reporters Wednesday (h/t Sean Cunningham/KCRA).
Nique Clifford talks about his chat with Doug Christie, trying to get him to be more aggressive, recognizing when to take shots, making the most of practice time and his holiday event last night. pic.twitter.com/VGlRqWRJsG
— Sean Cunningham (@SeanCunningham) December 17, 2025
Clifford, 23, has played 23 of Sacramento’s 26 games this season. With injuries knocking out their star players, the No. 24 overall pick in the 2025 NBA Draft has started three games.
Raynaud also has seen plenty of action early into his NBA career. He has started in four games, particularly due to star center Domantas Sabonis being out for an extended period with a torn meniscus.
Clifford and Raynaud have bonded through the experience.
“I think it’s good to have a guy with you going through the same process of being a rookie and learning and trying to adjust within the flow of what we’re going through,” Clifford explained.
With the Kings likely to make many of their veteran players available in the trade market, Clifford and Raynaud could see much more playing time in the near future.
Clifford is averaging 4.1 points and 2.5 rebounds in 16.6 minutes per game. His fellow rookie, Raynaud, is averaging 8.5 points and 4.7 rebounds in 18.5 minutes per game.
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