Why Russell Westbrook is ‘GOAT’ point guard to Kings rookie Nique Clifford originally appeared on NBC Sports Bay Area
Programming note: Watch the full “Conversations with Deuce & Mo†interview with Nique Clifford, debuting at 4 p.m. PT Saturday on NBC Sports California
Nique Clifford, as a rookie, already is playing with one of his favorite NBA players of all time.
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After Kings point guard Russell Westbrook racked up his 204th career triple-double in Sacramentoâ€s win over the Golden State Warriors earlier this month, Clifford joined NBC Sports Californiaâ€s “Kings Postgame Live†and revealed that Westbrook is his top-three point guard in NBA history.
But in speaking to NBC Sports Californiaâ€s Deuce Mason and Morgan Ragan on a recent “Conversations with Deuce & Mo,†Clifford clarified his stance on that ranking.
“Itâ€s debatable. You can put Magic [Johnson] and Steph [Curry] in there, of course,†Clifford said. “But honestly, Westbrook has always been my G.O.A.T. for point guard my whole life. Itâ€s just the way he impacts the game from all levels. He plays hard, his passion. Heâ€s always been my No. 1 point guard. But you can argue Steph and Magic, of course.â€
Clifford has stated on multiple occasions that Westbrook has been one of his “favorite players†growing up.
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Now, Clifford gets to spend his rookie season — and Year 18 for Westbrook — being teammates with one of his idols.
The young rookie shared what has surprised him most since playing alongside the former league MVP.
“The fact that heâ€s still doing what heâ€s doing. Like how old is he? Heâ€s been doing it so long and heâ€s still got that burst to him,†Clifford said. “He still has that same passionate energy and competitiveness. Thatâ€s been super impressive. Just as a teammate, heâ€s been a great dude to learn from. Seeing how he approaches it every day. Real professional.
“And always has the same energy and smile that you see when heâ€s playing. Thatâ€s who he is off the court, too. Itâ€s been real cool to be a part of that and play with one of my favorite players of all time.â€
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The Kings traded a protected 2027 first-round pick to the Oklahoma City Thunder to move up in the first round of the 2025 NBA Draft and secure Clifford at No. 24 overall.
Clifford has shown flashes of his potential in a small sample size thus far, averaging 4.7 points, 3.0 rebounds and 2.2 assists in 19 minutes through 10 games this season.
Playing alongside several established veterans, including Westbrook, Clifford is in good hands in Year 1.
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