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Patience pays off in Scott Perry’s first NBA Draft as Kings GM

In the weeks leading up to Wednesday night’s 2025 NBA Draft, whispers turned into what felt like screams that the Sacramento Kings were looking to trade into the first round.

Recently hired general manager Scott Perry had his eyes on several players who ended up being drafted elsewhere, such as Florida guard Walter Clayton Jr. (18th pick by Washington) and Georgia forward Asa Newell (23rd pick by Atlanta).

When Clayton and Newell came off the board, one noteworthy name remained–another that Sacramento had its eyes on during the pre-draft process.

Colorado State guard Nique Clifford, a 6’6 wing who was one of the best players in all of college basketball during the 2024-25 season, was there for the taking at 24th, and Perry made his move.

The cost: Sending the reigning champion Oklahoma City Thunder a protected (1st-16th) 2027th first-round pick, which was acquired from San Antonio during February’s trade that sent De’Aaron Fox to the Spurs.

The prize: Obtaining a young talent who, Perry and the rest of Sacramento’s front office hope, will be able to contribute in the short and long term for this Kings roster that could look much different come the fall.

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Other deals were on the table for Sacramento throughout Wednesday’s opening night of the NBA Draft, yet Perry and his front office staff remained patient.

Many analysts and mock drafts viewed Clifford as a top-20 pick, and the fact that he was there at 24th could prove to be a significant development for Sacramento if the 23-year-old pans out.

Draft grades are always a mixed bag, but Bleacher Report’s lead NBA Draft scout Jonathan Wasserman gave the Kings’ pick of Clifford an A+.

“I love this pick. This is my first A+ of the night,” Wasserman said of the 24th pick. “I like it for Sacramento, I like it in terms of value. This guy does it all. He’s going to be a plug-and-play guy; he’ll give you minutes right away just based on versatility.”

Clifford doesn’t fill the point guard void that Perry will look to fill in free agency or on the trade market, but he does give the Kings a dynamic 6’6 wing who can create offense and rebound like a big man.

During the 2024-25 season, Clifford earned First Team All-Mountain West Conference honors and a spot on the Mountain West All-Defensive Team thanks to an impressive senior season.

The 23-year-old averaged 18.9 points (second-best in the conference), 9.6 rebounds (second-best in the conference), 4.4 assists, and 1.2 steals per game on 49/37/77 shooting splits over 36 games.

At 6’6 with a 6’8.5 wingspan, Clifford could play the two or three at the NBA level, providing Sacramento with a guard-forward combo to add into a mix that currently includes Zach LaVine, who mostly plays the two, and DeMar DeRozan, who plays a healthy mix of both two and three.

Keon Ellis has shown he can defend guards and smaller forwards, while Keegan Murray appears better suited as a small forward than a power forward. Clifford, if he can hold his own against NBA talent, could give new head coach Doug Christie another option who can line up against both guards and forwards.

“My versatility is my biggest asset,” Clifford said of his ability to play and defend multiple positions following his trade to Sacramento.

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There was significant outside pressure on Perry to make a move on Wednesday night, especially considering the current state of the Sacramento fan base, which has been suddenly thrust back into a state of limbo as the Kings attempt to avoid another free fall near the bottom of the Western Conference power rankings.

Clifford has the frame, age, and skillset to help a middling team like Sacramento sooner rather than later. As free agency, trade season, and summer league begin in the coming days and weeks, Kings fans will now have a reason to tune into the NBA’s Las Vegas Summer League from July 10-20th to see their surprise rookie in action.

While Perry’s first rookie isn’t viewed as a potential franchise savior, he provides Sacramento with something they need: A prospect to evaluate and develop under this new regime.

In his first true action as Sacramento Kings GM, Scott Perry didn’t stand on the sidelines and spectate as teams around them moved into the first round. As with all other NBA prospects, the jury will be out on Clifford for years to come–but Perry started his new gig by acting patiently, yet quickly, to add to a roster that could see more changes in the coming days.

As for Clifford, he doesn’t take it lightly that Perry acted aggressively in acquiring him via trade. The newest King understands what it took to get him — future assets — and is ready for the challenge of proving he was worth it.

“I’ve got the ultimate respect and appreciation for them,” Clifford said of his new basketball home. “It makes me want to give everything I have to the organization.”