Sacramento Kings general manager Scott Perry introduces former player Doug Christie as the permanent head coach of the organization. By David Caraccio
Sacramento Kings general manager Scott Perry pulled the trigger on a trade to acquire 24th overall pick Nique Clifford in the first round of the NBA draft, but Clifford believes there was a higher power at work.
Clifford pointed to Kobe Bryant and the man upstairs when asked the black and purple suit he wore Wednesday on the first night of the draft at Barclays Center in Brooklyn, New York.
How could he have known he was coming to the Kings?
“It’s crazy,” Clifford said. “God’s plan, man. My favorite player was Kobe Bryant growing up. I was drafted at No. 24 (Bryant’s jersey number) and sure enough I wore a purple suit and ended up going to a purple team, so it was just meant to be.”
Clifford said he was overcome with emotion when he received a call from Perry before he was drafted.
“I don’t like to usually show emotions all the time,” Clifford said. “I don’t cry a lot, but I got a little emotional. I got choked up. It was hard for me to talk to him on the phone because it didn’t feel real. I definitely shed a couple tears. To be able to share that moment with my family was a super special moment.”
Clifford took to social media to greet new fans and teammates, tweeting: “Sac town let’s work.”
Fans rolled out the red carpet in response.
“Welcome to the best fan base in the league king!”
“Can’t wait to see you out there. Clearly purple suits you.”
“WELCOME TO SACRAMENTO!!”
“WELCOME TO THE FAMILY!!”
The Kings acquired the rights to Clifford from the Oklahoma City Thunder in exchange for a top 16 protected 2027 first-round pick that originally belonged to the San Antonio Spurs. The Kings will keep the pick if it lands in the top 16. If not, it will become two second-round picks in 2027, one that belongs to Sacramento and one the Kings acquired from the Charlotte Hornets.
Clifford, 23, is a 6-foot-6 ½, 202-pound shooting guard/small forward who averaged 18.9 points, 9.6 rebounds, 4.4 assists and 1.2 steals as a senior at Colorado State. He shot 49.6% from the field and 37.7% from 3-point range.
The Kings didn’t hold a workout with Perry prior to the draft, but they came away impressed after meeting with him at the NBA combine in Chicago. Perry described Clifford as a two-way player who fits the identity he wants to establish in Sacramento, saying Clifford was a player the Kings were targeting while exploring the possibility of acquiring a late first-round pick.
Perry said Clifford received a “really good grade” from Sacramento’s scouts and executives. Some draft analysts had Clifford projected as high as the No. 13 pick.
Bleacher Report had him projected at No. 16, writing: “Nique Clifford should draw interest from teams that are prioritizing prospects who can provide instant minutes and versatility. A 23-year-old won’t be for everyone, but between his age, broad shoulders, shotmaking diversity, playmaking IQ, excellent rebounding numbers and experience playing different roles, Clifford should look like an NBA-ready forward with an adaptable game.”