One of the draws to Nique Clifford was the idea he’d be ready to handle NBA minutes. That seems even more likely after he averaged 18.5 points, 6.5 rebounds, 5.0 assists and 1.5 steals through four summer league games.
More of a jack-of-all-trades, master of none as a college junior, the 23-year-old soared up boards this past season by emerging as a 6’6″ initiator. That development showed in Vegas, where he often brought the ball up, set up teammates and created for himself. A sharper handle has weaponized it, turning him into a player who can break down defense and get his own shot in different ways.
His improved pull-up shooting was on display along with his shotmaking versatility. Aside from hitting 9-of-17 threes, he made a number of tough self-created fallaways and runners in the lane.
Clifford ultimately looked like the type of positionless player the Sacramento Kings will be able to use in different roles and situations, on or off the ball.
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