For fans of the Sacramento Kings, one of the best parts of watching a game is the rookie trio of Maxime Raynaud, Nique Clifford, and Dylan Cardwell. Once again, their performances led to a Kings’ victory. At this point, Doug Christie had better be planning on keeping them all in the rotation.
If there’s one thing the Kings do well, it’s draft. They have problems developing those rookies and hanging onto them, but the franchise does draft impressively well. This is the team that selected De’Aaron Fox, Tyrese Haliburton, and Devin Carter. What they did with them is another story.
During the 2025 NBA Draft, the Kings smartly picked up both Nique Clifford and Maxime Raynaud. Without question, Raynaud has been their best young acquisition as he is the current starting center. And Clifford is finding his confidence, and becoming the steal of the draft many thought he was.
In an even smarter move, Sacramento picked up undrafted rookie center Dylan Cardwell on a two-way contract during the offseason. All of the injuries to the Kings led to him being called up from the G League, and Cardwell has been a defensive storm with 13 blocks in five games.
Sacramento’s rookie trio picks up a big win at home
The Kings went into their matchup against the Dallas Mavericks with five players out injured. That included three starters in Domantas Sabonis, Zach LaVine, and Keegan Murray. Keon Ellis and Russell Westbrook led the charge with 21 points each, but the Kings’ rookie trio all stepped up in major ways.
Raynaud remained starting center, collecting 19 points, six rebounds, two assists, one steal, and two blocks. Clifford was close to a double-double with eight points, nine rebounds, one assist, and two steals. Cardwell finished with four points, eight rebounds, three assists, one steal, and two blocks.
Those are all solid stat lines for rookies by anyone’s standards. Combined, the trio contributed 31 points, 23 rebounds, six assists, four steals, and four blocks to the Kings’ victory over the Mavericks. These were difference-making performances by three players still finding their feet in the league.
If the Kings continue to develop Raynaud, Clifford, and Cardwell correctly, they will be the foundation of this franchise for years to come. For now, this rookie trio will hopefully help the Kings find a few more wins this season and give Sactown fans something good to cheer about.