The Sacramento Kings have spent real draft capital to climb into the first round in back-to-back years, but the early returns have come with a familiar headache: the rookies aren’t playing much.
Nique Clifford has mostly been stuck in short cameos, and Alex Karaban has barely gotten on the floor. That was the focus on Sactown Sports’ The Matt George Podcast, where Matt George and Jason from The Royal Report dug into why Sacramento’s two newest first-rounders haven’t cracked the rotation.
Clifford came to the Kings as the 24th pick in the 2025 NBA Draft, acquired from Oklahoma City in a deal that sent out a protected future first-round pick. Karaban arrived this June when Sacramento sent the 34th pick and a 2032 second-rounder to Cleveland to move up to No.
- Both were older college players, the kind expected to be more ready to contribute right away.
Instead, the minutes have been thin. Over the first eight games discussed on the podcast, Clifford was used in quick bursts, sometimes logging just three or four minutes before heading back to the bench. Karaban’s usage has been even more limited: four games, 38 total minutes, and a high of 12 in a single outing.
That’s where the conversation turned. Jason pointed out that the situation is hard to ignore given what Sacramento gave up to get both players.
“It absolutely stands out because, like you said, the Kings used assets to move up and get into the first round of two straight drafts,” Jason said. He also noted that it remains early, but added that Sacramento will need to keep finding ways to give the rookies opportunities as the season goes on.
There are obvious paths for both players if they can earn them. Karaban’s clearest calling card is his three-point shooting, while Clifford’s size and defensive upside could fit alongside Darius Acuff Jr. But neither has done enough yet to lock down a steady role.
Jason was blunt about Clifford’s early showings, saying the rookie has looked hesitant and needs to make a stronger impression when he gets chances. He also backed the coaching staff’s choice to pull him after mistakes, saying Clifford “has been very poor every time he’s stepped on the floor.”
George pushed back on the idea that such short appearances can lead to real development.
“How can you expect consistency and consistent improvement from someone when you’re giving them three-to-four-minute stretches?” he asked.
That’s the bind for Sacramento. Clifford and Karaban have to prove they can help, but the limited run makes it tougher for either player to settle in and build momentum.
George and Jason agreed it’s still too early to make any sweeping judgments. Even so, with the Kings having invested draft assets in both rookies, their place outside the rotation is already becoming a storyline worth tracking.
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