Sacramento Kings rookie Nique Clifford made headlines for his 26-point performance against the Los Angeles Lakers earlier this week. While the outcome wasn’t what the Kings expected, the first-year guard made his case as a reliable option with a team-high scoring stat in their 128-104 loss.
His efforts caught the eye of former NBA All-Star Michael Redd, who offered him some sage advice.
Former NBA Star Offers Valuable Piece of Advice to Nique Clifford After His Impressive Showing
Taking to X (formerly Twitter), Redd posted a video of his interaction with Clifford after his game against the Lakers. In the clip, the duo spoke of the minutes challenge for the rookie, with the former Milwaukee Bucks wing explaining how consistency was key for Clifford.
“The Most Difficult Thing for an NBA Player. Period is consistency,” Redd said. “If you can be consistent every night, we can bank on you doing your job. You got all the makings of becoming a really, really great player in the league. It’s just a matter of your self-belief and work ethic.”
Clifford was selected with the 24th pick in the 2025 NBA draft by the Kings in exchange for a protected 2027 FRP with the OKC Thunder. They announced in July that they had signed the Colorado State alum.
Had to give Kings rook Nique Clifford his flowers…and a little OG advice.
I remember being that guy my rookie year, barely getting minutes. Took me into Year 2 (and really 3) to really get going. @NiqueOtn, though, is starting to figure it out right now. Just look at the… pic.twitter.com/BT2jbq8cdE
— Michael Redd (@MichaelRedd_) March 2, 2026
The rookie started against Los Angeles and scored 26 points on 11-for-18 shooting from the field and 1-for-2 from behind the arc. He also recorded seven rebounds, four assists, one steal, and one block in his 42 minutes on the floor.
Per Sactown Sports 1140 AM, Clifford later spoke of his approach to the season. “Just trying to simplify, make the easiest read, whether that’s a play for myself to score or a play for my teammate,” he said.
“But I think for me, just being aggressive and attacking downhill, making a big have to step up or play two. That’s been something I’ve been working on and trying to help add that so I can benefit our team.”
It has been a learning curve for Clifford in his rookie year, averaging 7.3 points and 3.3 rebounds in 22.5 minutes per game across 58 appearances. The Kings are at the final turn of what has been a dismal campaign, with just 14 wins, and are at the bottom of the West.
As for Redd, the wing played for the Milwaukee Bucks from 2000 to 2011 and later signed for the Phoenix Suns. He retired from the NBA in 2013 and went on to become a successful entrepreneur and venture capitalist.
