The 6-6 Guard: Nique Cliffords Potential Impact on the NBA with Size, Strength, and Versatility

Nique Clifford, a 6-6 guard from Colorado State, is a player who excels on both ends of the court. With his size, strength, and versatility, he is a force to be reckoned with. However, as a super senior with limited experience against high-level competition, he faces some concerns that may impact his NBA prospects.

• Defensive Versatility: Clifford is a long, switchable defender who can guard multiple positions. His lateral quickness, wingspan, and motor allow him to stay in front of perimeter players and contest shots inside. He is disruptive in passing lanes and competes hard on the glass.
• Rebounding: An elite rebounder for a wing, Clifford crashes the boards and turns defensive rebounds into fastbreaks. Despite his 6-6 height, he rebounds like a 6-10 player with his knack for grabbing tough rebounds in traffic.
• At-rim Finishing: Clifford has the length and body control to finish above or around defenders, whether it’s in a crowded paint in the half court or after rumbling down the floor on the break. He’s also an incredibly active cutter even after giving up the ball, staying locked in and looking for chances to get open in the paint.
• Secondary Playmaking: Clifford makes smart decisions and plays within the flow of the offense and out of a wide variety of situations. His good handle allows him to operate off-ball at a high level with his ability to attack closeouts and make the right play.
• Spot-up Shooting: Clifford made 38.9% of catch-and-shoot 3s in his five collegiate seasons, per Synergy. He’s more than just a standstill shooter, using his footwork to catch and launch with fluidity off screens.
• Pull-up Shooting: Clifford has improved every year of college as a shooter off the dribble, going from a nonthreat to a capable shooter from midrange and the post to a threat from everywhere. He has confidence and fluidity transitioning from his dribble into his shot.

Concerns:

• Level of College Competition: Clifford simply lacks the experience against high-level competition playing in the Mountain West. While he has dominated as a Colorado State upperclassman playing a high-usage role, his skills have not allowed him to stick on an NBA team, as he’s on his fifth team in three seasons.
• Age: Clifford will turn 24 during his rookie season, making him quite old for a rookie. Experience is no guarantee for immediate success in the NBA.

For a two-round mock draft and a big board with full scouting reports, check out my NBA Draft Guide.