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On Thursday, the Sacramento Kings' summer league squad hosted their first open practice, with No. 7 overall pick Darius Acuff Jr. participating in his first team practice.
Rookie forward Nique Clifford, who is gearing up for his second preseason playing in the summer league, talked about getting back to work alongside his new teammates following the practice.
"Its definitely exciting, playing with a new group and trying to figure them out," Clifford said. "Learning how to play with new guys is always a fun challenge, definitely excited to play with some of the guys we just picked up."
Clifford will be one of the top players on the roster, having gained invaluable playing experience during his rookie campaign.
As the No. 24 overall pick in last year's draft, Clifford averaged 8.6 points, 3.8 rebounds, and 2.4 assists per game, appearing in 75 games for the Kings.
Due to the mounting amount of injuries to key contributors on Sacramento's roster, Clifford became more involved after the All-Star break, showing real growth as a defender.
In Clifford's first 15 games following the hiatus, he recorded two or more steals in nine of them, including a six-steal performance against the Memphis Grizzlies on Feb. 23.
Clifford filled up the stat sheet with 12 points, six rebounds and five assists, while adding his career-high six takeaways.
The former Colorado State standout's impressive stat line made him just the fourth Sacramento Kings rookie in the Sacramento era (1985-present) to record 10-5-5-5 in a single game and the first since DeMarcus Cousins in 2011, according to SacTown Sports.
Going into his second professional season, Clifford says he feels more composed.
"I'm more comfortable going in this year, knowing what to expect, knowing him summer league works," Clifford said. "So, definitely, its more exciting this year."
Last season, Clifford dawned the No. 5 jersey during the regular season, which became contested after the Kings landed Darius Acuff Jr. at the No. 7 overall pick in June.
After getting drafted, Acuff said that he and Clifford had discussed the jersey dilemma, which ended in the sophomore giving it up to the rookie... for free.
"I was cool with changing my jersey number. I know it meant a lot to him [Acuff], so he hit me up and asked how much I want for it, and I'm a nice guy, so I was gonna show love to the rook," Clifford said. "I ain't charge him. I'm trying to build that team chemistry early."
Clifford's leadership on the summer league team will be a big part of their overall success, as he and fellow sophomore Maxime Raynaud bring success at the professional level to the California Classic.
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Rookie forward Nique Clifford, who is gearing up for his second preseason playing in the summer league, talked about getting back to work alongside his new teammates following the practice.
"Its definitely exciting, playing with a new group and trying to figure them out," Clifford said. "Learning how to play with new guys is always a fun challenge, definitely excited to play with some of the guys we just picked up."
Clifford will be one of the top players on the roster, having gained invaluable playing experience during his rookie campaign.
As the No. 24 overall pick in last year's draft, Clifford averaged 8.6 points, 3.8 rebounds, and 2.4 assists per game, appearing in 75 games for the Kings.
Due to the mounting amount of injuries to key contributors on Sacramento's roster, Clifford became more involved after the All-Star break, showing real growth as a defender.
In Clifford's first 15 games following the hiatus, he recorded two or more steals in nine of them, including a six-steal performance against the Memphis Grizzlies on Feb. 23.
Clifford filled up the stat sheet with 12 points, six rebounds and five assists, while adding his career-high six takeaways.
The former Colorado State standout's impressive stat line made him just the fourth Sacramento Kings rookie in the Sacramento era (1985-present) to record 10-5-5-5 in a single game and the first since DeMarcus Cousins in 2011, according to SacTown Sports.
Going into his second professional season, Clifford says he feels more composed.
"I'm more comfortable going in this year, knowing what to expect, knowing him summer league works," Clifford said. "So, definitely, its more exciting this year."
Last season, Clifford dawned the No. 5 jersey during the regular season, which became contested after the Kings landed Darius Acuff Jr. at the No. 7 overall pick in June.
After getting drafted, Acuff said that he and Clifford had discussed the jersey dilemma, which ended in the sophomore giving it up to the rookie... for free.
"I was cool with changing my jersey number. I know it meant a lot to him [Acuff], so he hit me up and asked how much I want for it, and I'm a nice guy, so I was gonna show love to the rook," Clifford said. "I ain't charge him. I'm trying to build that team chemistry early."
Clifford's leadership on the summer league team will be a big part of their overall success, as he and fellow sophomore Maxime Raynaud bring success at the professional level to the California Classic.
Join the Community
Don't miss out on our ROUNDTABLE community and the latest news!
It's completely free to join, simply by clicking the yellow button at the top of the homepage. Share your thoughts, engage with our Roundtable writers, and chat with fellow members.
Continue reading...
