After the 2025 NBA Draft, many people thought the Kings got the steal of the night by picking up Nique Clifford at number 24. While he definitely has the skill and talent to succeed, his lack of aggression is holding up his development. He needs to find that dog inside of him now.
Going into the 2025-2026 season, Clifford was highlighted as a rookie to watch by many people. Some even though he had what it took to be a Rookie of the Year contender. That being said, taking the ROTY award away from Cooper Flagg, Kon Knueppel, or VJ Edgecombe is a tall task.