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.