The Sacramento Kings have been ravaged by injuries this season, but those injuries have opened the door for a trio of first-year contributors.
NBC Sports California analyst Kayte Christensen joined The Carmichael Dave Show with Jason Ross to share her thoughts on how the Kings’ rookies–wing Nique Clifford, center Maxime Raynaud, and fan-favorite Dylan Cardwell–have helped Sacramento navigate an overall tough 2025-26 season.
“I think that, you know, you look at the start of the season, and we all have expectations or things that we think are kind of going to happen, and then it just generally doesn’t work out that way, right?” Christensen said.
SACRAMENTO, CALIFORNIA - NOVEMBER 12: Nique Clifford #5 of the Sacramento Kings dribbles the ball against the Atlanta Hawks at Golden 1 Center on November 12, 2025 in Sacramento, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images)
(Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images)
“I don’t think anyone expected the three rookies to factor that much into bulk minutes throughout the course of the season, right? And injuries have allowed that to happen. It’s allowed extended looks and opportunity and development, really.”
Clifford, the 24th pick in the 2025 NBA Draft, has shown some promise as of late in a starting role. Raynaud, the 42nd pick in June’s draft, was viewed by many as a snub for the Rising Stars Game, as the Stanford product is averaging 9.4 points and 6.3 rebounds per game.
Cardwell, an undrafted center out of Auburn, has become not only a fan favorite but also a player whose defensive prowess, shot-blocking ability, and bubbly personality make him an ideal piece for Sacramento’s rebuild.
Injuries to Keegan Murray, Domantas Sabonis, Malik Monk, Dennis Schroder, and Zach LaVine throughout the first half of the regular season have opened the door for the Sacramento Kings’ rookie trio, something that
“We’ve gotten an extended look at some of these rookies and their development, and that’s a positive of the season. It gives the opportunity for their developmental process to be kind of fast-tracked, if you will. They’re getting extended minutes, time, and experience against teams of veteran players.”
Clifford is a player many draft talent evaluators project to be a contributor at the NBA level for years to come, and the Colorado State product is getting an extended look as a starter while Murray and LaVine deal with injuries.
Over the past two games, Clifford has averaged 11.0 points, 3.0 rebounds, and 1.5 steals per game on three-of-seven (43%) over 31.5 minutes per contest.
“Nique in the starting lineup the last couple of games has been a much different output than we saw early in the season,” Christensen said. “Even from his last start on December 11 against Denver to now, which is just five or six weeks, he’s much more suited in that role, and you can see how far he’s come along.”
Be sure to check out the entire interview with Sacramento Kings broadcaster for NBC Sports’ Kayte Christensen at the top of this page, or on the Sactown Sports 1140 YouTube channel.
Listen to The Carmichael Dave Show with Jason Ross from 6 – 10 a.m. PST, Monday through Friday, on Sactown Sports 1140.
Click here for full episodes of The Carmichael Dave Show with Jason Ross.
More Sacramento Kings content from Sactown Sports
The Sacramento Kings may not have any 2026 All-Stars, but it seemed like two of their rookies could participate in Saturday’s All-Star Weekend events in Los Angeles.
Turns out none of Nique Clifford, Maxime Raynaud, or Dylan Cardwell were named to the Rising Stars Game.
The Western Conference rookies to make the roster were Cedric Coward (Memphis), Dylan Harper (San Antonio), Egor Demin (Brooklyn), Tre Johnson (Washington), VJ Edgecombe (Philadelphia), Kon Knueppel (Charlotte), Jeremiah Fears (New Orleans), Collin Murray-Boyles (Toronto), Cooper Flagg (Dallas), and Derik Queen (New Orleans).
No Kings rookies named to NBA Rising Stars Game
Upcoming Sacramento Kings schedule for the 2025-26 season
Thursday, January 29th – @ Philadelphia 76ers – 4:00 PM PT
Sunday, January 30th – @ Boston Celtics – 4:30 PM PT
Sunday, February 1st – @ Washington Wizards – 3:00 PM PT
Wednesday, February 4th – vs. Memphis Grizzlies – 7:00 PM PT
Friday, February 6th – vs. Los Angeles Clippers – 7:00 PM PT
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