Rookie Nique Clifford Aims to 'Build Ground Up' for Kings Amid Rebuild

Sacramento Kings rookie guard Nique Clifford, the No. 24 pick in the 2025 NBA Draft, expressed his commitment to helping "build the ground up" for the team alongside fellow rookie Max Raynaud. Amid a tough start to the 2025-26 season and a likely rebuild, Clifford, 23, has played in 23 of 26 games, starting three due to injuries to star players. He's averaging 4.1 points and 2.5 rebounds in 16.6 minutes. Clifford and Raynaud are bonding through their rookie experience, anticipating increased playing time as veterans may be traded.