Why aren’t the Sacramento Kings playing their 1st round picks?

The Sacramento Kings have used draft capital to move into the first round in back-to-back drafts, but their two recent picks are struggling to find consistent minutes.

Nique Clifford has been limited to brief stretches, while Alex Karaban has barely played. On Sactown Sports’ The Matt George Podcast, Matt George and Jason from The Royal Report discussed why the rookies aren’t in the rotation and whether Sacramento should make more room for them.

The Kings acquired Clifford, the 24th pick in the 2025 NBA Draft, from Oklahoma City in exchange for a protected future first-round pick.

This June, Sacramento traded the 34th pick and a 2032 second-rounder to Cleveland for Karaban, selected 29th overall. Both were older college players expected to be more NBA-ready than many rookies.

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Through the first eight games discussed on the podcast, Clifford had appeared in short bursts, sometimes playing three or four minutes before coming out.

Karaban had played in four games for 38 total minutes, with a high of 12 in one appearance. That lack of opportunity stands out, especially with other young players getting minutes.

“It absolutely stands out because, like you said, the Kings used assets to move up and get into the first round of two straight drafts,” Jason said. He added that it was still early, but Sacramento would need to give the rookies more chances as the season continued.

Karaban’s clearest potential contribution is his three-point shooting, while Clifford’s size and defensive potential could complement Darius Acuff Jr. But neither has yet shown enough to claim a regular role.

Jason said Clifford has looked hesitant and needs to make a stronger impression when he gets on the floor. He also defended the coaching staff’s decision to pull him after mistakes, saying Clifford “has been very poor every time he’s stepped on the floor.”

George questioned whether Clifford’s brief stints give him enough time to settle in and improve. “How can you expect consistency and consistent improvement from someone when you’re giving them three-to-four-minute stretches?” he asked.

Sacramento Kings players Nique Clifford & Alex Karaban (Getty Images)

That’s the tension for Sacramento: Clifford and Karaban need to show they can help, but limited minutes make it harder to build confidence and establish a role.

George and Jason agreed it’s too soon to draw firm conclusions. Still, with draft capital invested in both players, the Sacramento Kings’ decision to keep them out of the rotation is already a question worth watching.

Listen to all episodes of The Matt George Podcast wherever you get your podcasts, and watch each episode on SactownSports.com, the Sactown Sports app, or the Sactown Sports YouTube page.

More Sacramento Kings content from Sactown Sports

• Amick: Sacramento Kings prefer stability around Doug Christie for now
• Is Darius Acuff Jr. the next Allen Iverson?
• Deveney: Sabonis isn’t trying to sabotage Acuff or the Kings
• There is no drama between Darius Acuff Jr. & Domantas Sabonis

Sacramento Kings 2026-27 Regular Season Schedule

• Sunday, November 8th vs. Miami Heat (6:00 P.M. PT)
• Tuesday, November 10th vs. Orlando Magic (7:00 P.M. PT)
• Friday, November 13th vs. Portland Trail Blazers (7:00 P.M. PT)
• Sunday, November 15th vs. Oklahoma City Thunder (6:00 P.M. PT)
• Wednesday, November 17th vs. Phoenix Suns (7:00 P.M. PT)

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