Carmichael Dave: Nique Clifford could be an under-the-radar Kings breakout

The Sacramento Kings have plenty of players drawing attention entering the 2026-27 season, but Nique Clifford might be one of the more intriguing players flying under the radar.

Clifford made a strong impression in Sacramento’s preseason opener Monday night, finishing with 23 points on 8-of-13 shooting, nine rebounds and two assists in 28 minutes during the Kings’ 127-103 loss to the Los Angeles Lakers.

The performance caught the attention of Carmichael Dave and Jason Ross, with Dave suggesting Clifford could be one of the Kings’ overlooked players heading into his second NBA season.

“I think potentially, Nique Clifford could be one of those really under the radar guys for Kings fans this year,” Dave said.

SACRAMENTO, CALIFORNIA – SEPTEMBER 28: Nique Clifford #10 of the Sacramento Kings poses for a picture during the Kings Media Day at Sacramento Kings Practice Facility on September 28, 2026 in Sacramento, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images)

More on Kings G/F Nique Clifford

Nique Clifford was the 24th overall pick in the 2025 NBA Draft and averaged 8.6 points, 3.8 rebounds, and 2.4 assists in 75 games as a rookie while shooting 41.8% from the field and 33.3% from three-point range.

Now 24 years old, Clifford enters Year 2 with an opportunity to expand his role. While he has shown enough versatility to potentially handle some backup point guard minutes, his primary role will likely come at shooting guard and small forward.

That versatility could become particularly valuable for a Kings team still figuring out its rotation.

Dave pointed to Clifford’s finish last season as another reason for optimism.

Clifford averaged nearly 18 points, five rebounds, four assists, one steal and one block during April while shooting 48% from the field, 37% from three and 84% from the free-throw line (six games).

“He started to put together some very, very interesting games,” Dave said. “I would love to see a leap from him this year.”

Monday’s performance offered another reason to believe that leap could be coming.

SACRAMENTO, CALIFORNIA – OCTOBER 05: Nique Clifford #10 of the Sacramento Kings shoots a layup over Sandro Mamukelashvili #54 of the Los Angeles Lakers in the first half of the preseason game at Golden 1 Center on October 05, 2026 in Sacramento, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images)

Clifford was the only Kings player with a positive plus-minus against Los Angeles, finishing at plus-four despite Sacramento losing by 24 points.

He remained productive while the game was largely out of reach, showing the aggression and versatility that could earn him more opportunities this season.

Clifford also entered the season emphasizing defense as an area where he wanted to improve. If he can take a meaningful step on that end while maintaining the offensive growth he showed late last season, his role could expand quickly.

The Kings have plenty of high-profile players, but Nique Clifford may be one of the more important young pieces to watch as the preseason continues.

Listen to The Carmichael Dave Show with Jason Ross from 6 – 10 a.m. PDT, Monday through Friday, on Sactown Sports 1140.

More Sacramento Kings content from Sactown Sports

• Sacramento has familiar concerns after Preseason opener
• Darius Acuff Jr. impresses in preseason debut, but Lakers steamroll Kings
• Jerry Reynolds: Why the Sacramento Kings could outperform low win projections
• Doug Christie: Nothing I read about Ben Simmons was true
• Zach LaVine says he has ‘a lot left in the tank’ ahead of 13th season

Sacramento Kings Schedule: 2026-27 Preseason

• Thursday, October 8th @ Los Angeles Lakers (7:30 P.M. PST)
• Saturday, October 10th @ Golden State Warriors (5:30 P.M. PST)
• Tuesday, October 13th vs. Portland Trail Blazers (7:00 P.M. PST)
• Friday, October 16th @ San Antonio Spurs (7:00 P.M. PST)

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