Kings GM Scott Perry ‘very encouraged’ by rookies Max Raynaud, Nique Clifford originally appeared on NBC Sports Bay Area
Scott Perry likes what he has seen from Kings rookies Nique Clifford and Maxime Raynaud so far during the 2025-26 NBA season.
Sacramento’s general manager shared his thoughts on the shooting guard and center with Sactown Sports 1140’s “The Drive Guys” on Wednesday.
“Very encouraged by both of those young guys and where they’re at right now as young players in this league,” Perry said. “First and foremost, they both have [high] basketball IQs. Secondly, they have tremendous work ethics. And so, as a young player, you come into this league and you’re willing to work and have an idea of how to play this game, you’re going to give yourself every opportunity to grow and get better.”
Clifford, who was the No. 24 overall pick in the 2025 NBA Draft, is averaging 4.5 points, 2.6 rebounds and 1.5 assists over 16.2 minutes per game. And Raynaud, who was the No. 42 pick, is averaging 8.1 points, 4.4 rebounds and 1.0 assists over 16.8 minutes per game.
The season-long stats might not pop, but each player has stepped up mightily as of late, delivering key minutes as Sacramento searches for an identity amid its 6-18 start — especially without All-Star center Domantas Sabonis, who has played just 11 games due to a partial tear in his left meniscus.
Perry explained what has stood out about each rookie’s recent play.
“I think we’re seeing Maxime grow in front of our eyes,” Perry said. “It has been fortunate for him — but unfortunate for the Kings — with Domas being out; it helped push Max into service maybe earlier in the season than what otherwise would’ve been Domas still playing. He seized that opportunity, and that’s what you want to see from a young player. He’s getting better every game. He’s starting to rebound the basketball a little more outside of his area, which I think is a very important thing for him — the better he gets at that, the better player he’s going to become.
“Nique is really coming on right now, too — very versatile player. Early on, because we were a smaller team, he was playing some power forward, which is not who he’s going to be long-term. He’s had a real baptism by fire, too. But [he’s] competitive, can defend multiple positions. I just think the more he plays and settles in, the more confident and more consistent you’ll see him play. Over this past week, I think he’s had some really good games. He probably had his best game as a pro in Miami.”
Clifford scored an impressive 15 points on 7-of-8 shooting in the Kings’ 127-111 win over the Miami Heat on Saturday. And Raynaud is averaging 16.7 points and eight rebounds through three games in December.
The youngsters — and Sacramento — still have a long journey ahead.
However, the first-year GM and the Kings will take all silver linings as the team figures itself out.
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