Sacramento Kings Rookie Nique Clifford’s Admiration for Russell Westbrook
Sacramento Kings rookie Nique Clifford has openly expressed his admiration for veteran point guard Russell Westbrook, whom he considers one of the greatest players in NBA history. Following an impressive feat by Westbrook, who recorded his 204th career triple-double in the Kings’ recent victory against the Golden State Warriors, Clifford took to NBC Sports California to share his thoughts.
Clifford’s Perspective on Westbrook
In a segment on “Conversations with Deuce & Mo,” hosted by Deuce Mason and Morgan Ragan, Clifford articulated his belief that Westbrook stands out among the best, especially when compared to other notable point guards like Magic Johnson and Steph Curry.
“You can argue for players like Magic and Steph, but for me, Westbrook has always been my greatest of all time on the court due to his immense impact and relentless passion for the game,”
he stated.
Playing Alongside a Role Model
Clifford, who grew up idolizing Westbrook, is now experiencing the unique opportunity of playing alongside his role model during Westbrook’s 18th season. One of the most surprising aspects for Clifford has been Westbrook’s sustained performance levels, especially given his long career.
“It’s remarkable how he’s maintained that burst and competitive energy after all these years. He brings that same enthusiasm and professionalism daily, both on and off the court,”
Clifford noted, highlighting Westbrook’s positive influence as a teammate.
Clifford’s Rookie Season
The Kings, recognizing Clifford’s potential, traded a protected first-round pick for 2027 to the Oklahoma City Thunder to draft him 24th overall in the upcoming 2025 NBA Draft. As Clifford embarks on his rookie season, he has been contributing steadily, averaging 4.7 points, 3.0 rebounds, and 2.2 assists over 10 games while learning from established players like Westbrook.
Overall, with the guidance of veterans and the mentorship of Westbrook, Clifford appears well-positioned to flourish in his debut season with the Kings.
