Nique Clifford arrives in Sacramento wearing No. 5, a fresh start that carries personal growth and biblical grace as his guiding themes. The 24th pick headlined a strong Summer League showing (15.2 PPG, 6.5 RPG, 4.2 APG, 1.2 SPG on 45.8% from three) and projects as a two-way contributor for Doug Christie’s rotation.

Clifford’s college resume—18.9 PPG, 9.6 RPG, 4.4 APG with MW Defensive honors and a tourney MVP—signals multi-faceted upside if he earns run. Sacramento hopes the No. 5 symbolism matches a culture of growth and development, building a deeper bench behind De’Aaron Fox.

Fox was the last Kings icon to wear 5; Clifford’s number choice tees up a narrative of renewal for the franchise. Fantasy managers should watch early-minute opportunities in October and how Clifford’s defensive presence translates into steady peripheral stats as the season unfolds.

Kings keep their core and push for a playoff run rather than a full rebuild. Domantas Sabonis, DeMar DeRozan and Zach LaVine remain together, with Dennis Schroder stepping in as the new starting point guard. Sacramento drafted Nique Clifford and Maxime Raynaud, and the franchise added a sign-and-trade for Schroder, signaling a calculated bet on immediate competitiveness.

The offseason also carried strong links to Jonathan Kuminga and Russell Westbrook, illustrating Sacramento’s willingness to chase high-upside upgrades. Sabonis hosted a youth camp and hinted at more changes before training camp, underscoring a flexible path as management under Scott Perry shapes the roster. The goal stays clear: improve depth and push into the playoff picture, with Sabonis’ future still a topic of careful talks and strategic maneuvering.

The Sacramento Kings showcased a remarkable talent at the NBA 2K26 Summer League in Las Vegas, where they reached the championship game, only to lose to the Charlotte Hornets. Despite the heart-wrenching defeat, the Kings’ roster saw several young players shine, earning them accolades as standout performers. Rookie guard Nique Clifford, selected 24th overall in the 2025 draft, was named to the All-Summer League First Team. Averaging 15.2 points, 6.5 rebounds, and 4.2 assists per game, Clifford demonstrated his offensive prowess and ability to contribute defensively, solidifying his place as a crucial bench player for the upcoming season.

Meanwhile, center Isaac Jones, who went undrafted in 2024, proved he could earn a larger role within the Kings’ rotation with his impressive Summer League showing. With averages of 18.3 points on an astounding 64.6% shooting percentage, along with 6.7 rebounds per game, Jones solidified his potential impact in the team’s lineup. Both players now head into the next season with renewed confidence and expectations, hoping to translate their Summer League success into significant contributions during the regular season.

The NBA 2K26 Summer League has showcased several rookies who may prove to be significant steals in the draft. Yang Hansen from the Portland Trail Blazers has emerged as a standout, averaging 3.3 blocks per 36 minutes and displaying playmaking skills with 5.5 assists per 36 minutes. Joan Beringer of the Minnesota Timberwolves has also impressed with his shot-blocking prowess, leading all rookies at 3.9 blocks per 36 minutes. Nique Clifford from the Sacramento Kings is drawing attention for his high Game Score and assist numbers, while Liam McNeeley and Brooks Barnhizer have also made strong cases for themselves as valuable additions. These players are not just tallying numbers; they are demonstrating skills that could translate effectively into the regular season.