The Sacramento Kings held an introductory press conference with new rookies Nique Clifford and Maxime Raynaud Thursday. It was your typical introductory press conferences with all of the hope and pleasantries. Clifford was rocking a large Clifford the Big Red Dog pendant necklace, though he should be the Big Purple Dawg now, right?
Here are a few tidbits from the press conference.
Doug Christie on playing Maxime With Sabonis:
“Rebounding is never something that you don’t need enough of. His size, his skillset, I think with Domas can mix in a big way because Domas shot 40% from above the arc and 50% in the corner. Max, just watching him play, he can shoot – pump fakes, puts the ball on the deck, so now you have playmakers in all of the positions and that’s kind of what we want to play is positionless basketball with the ability to move the ball around the court and share it.”
Doug Christie on the comparisons to Clifford and his game:
“A bit because I when I watch him, first of all, he’s got hair, well done sir. But his ability to do so many different things as a coach helps you because there’s ways to keep him on the floor because he can defend, he can rebound, he can shoot, he can handle the basketball. So, that was an attribute of mine that I think helped me throughout my career and latching on defensively, I think for a young player, early, is probably the greatest way to earn yourself playing time, but his ability to do other things – grab a rebound, push the ball, he’s not selfish so willing to share the basketball – minus the hair, I feel you.”
Nique Clifford on choosing the Number 5, De’Aaron Fox’s former number:
“Yeah, I know there was a little bit of controversy around that number, but honestly it was really just the best available number at first when I was looking at the list. There’s a lot of retired numbers around here so I ended up choosing 5, and then I started to look deeper into it and I saw the meanings of the number 5, and it represented personal growth and change, which is kind of what I wanted to embody going into my career – just being somebody that stays in the gym and continues to grow myself as a person and a player. And then biblically, it represented God’s grace and kindness, and so I feel like it was definitely a fitting number for myself. I wore 5 at my Pro Day actually, so I’ve worn it once before and had a decent Pro Day so I thought I would give it a go.”
Christie also confirmed that both Clifford and Raynaud will be playing in the NBA Las Vegas Summer League, which begins on July 10. Dipesh Mistry will be the head coach.
Watch the full press conference below.
“We’ve watched while the Kingdom was burned down, and creation played in entropy. The basketball universe freezing in eternity. Once I thought to escape. To end the basketball Hell, and step out of the path of constant repeats of a roster collapse. Escape would make us see God. Yet I cannot help remember one dilemma. A Sisyphus, spirtual healer. This is the only mystery, ending my fandom will never be solved. The only method of logic unaccounted for. Even the Sacramento Proud is no more, as the team is a disgrace, but in the end, frozen by anger, we joined the chaos we sought to evade. Our fandom has been dead a thousand times. Roster construction full of failures as even mediocrity is never won. As fans spiritually dead, grafted to machines from a past we do not understand. We follow the path, fitting into an infinite pattern. Ours to manipulate, to destroy the contract floats and finally rebuild. Now, in the quantum moment before the closure, when all suffering becomes null. One moment left. One point of space and time. I know who you are, Maximus Raynaud. You are destiny.”
Well, that was interesting. I think it was profound but in my Kings dull brain, I don’t see it yet.
I believe NC will be fine- less than Josh Hart better than Colby Jones. A wing off the bench. He needs to get a consistent shot.
MR is key- he could be a bust, he could be good. Comparisons to Olynyk and Kornet but I hope to god, better than either. Chet lite?
Within a year, baring injury we will know.
At least the two of them are not ball stoppers.
For the record- I am against getting JK unless it is Saric and 2 second rounders and he accepts 15M per year.
the duds have over valued him- think they will get a starter in trade, like Wiggins
I wanted to quote from the cult classic video game Marathon Infinity. The draft is a crap shoot but I really think teams were foolish to not grab him in the 1st round after say the 10th pick. His skill sets are exactly what the Kings need. Passing, rebounding, a big with stamina, rim protection, play making, finishing, and yes even a fucking 3. The guy wears 42 and was picked at 42. There is just no way he doesn’t pan out. One does not simply get picked by Stanford, balls the fuck out, and then suddenly is ass in the NBA. I refuse to accept that.
You need to see a head srink. Or better yet go rout for the Lakers. Do you really love using the F word so much. This really shows your intelligence.
I don’t see anything horrific they’ve done in the offseason. We may have missed an opportunity or two to acquire more draft capital or another young prospect. Overall not disastrous.
The team is probably better overall with the draft and signing Dennis (not including whatever happens with Kuminga or Monk).
Not huge improvements, still probably a .500 team.
In the east they could possibly get up to a 6th seed. Maybe a play in team in the west. Depends if Murray and Ellis keep progressing.
Excited to see both play. They seemed like they were mature and knew what they were talking about. Let’s just hope they can be solid NBA players in Sacramento.
Trade: DeRozan for Rosier and Jacquez Jr.Rosier can backup Schroder for a year then 26 mil off the books. Jamie Jacquez a young up and coming forward with upside. Miami wants DeRozan so trade should work.
Or would you rather have DeRozan for Wiggins strait up?
I like both but would prefer Wiggins for DDR . Better defender and has been a key player on some quality teams . Likely, a better teammate !
Wiggins doesn’t seem to care about basketball much anymore. Just goes through the motions.
Just maybe he needs a new team to play for or doesn’t like it in Miami. We could meet with him and see what’s cooking then make a proposal. Hobby 916 what is you opinion on trading Monk and Carter for PJ Washington and Naji Marshall. Money works and the Mavs might be interested since they now have Flagg. Could include 2 seconds which IMO it’s worth it. I would rather have these two than Kuminga. Both play defense and would fit right in to what Perry is searching for. If we could get Wiggings for DeRozan we could be set for this year. Also off the trades IMO Markelle Fultr can easily backup Schroder at point guard. No need going after another PG.
Wiggins had that q good season in GS and then he just kinda went through the motions. I think he plays because it’s a job.
I don’t think Dallas trades two forwards for two small guards. They signed Russell, so I don’t think they want Monk too.
Rozier is a waste of money and a ball hog. So Wiggins would be a better swap. All might not be dead in a 4-7 team trade where Robinson goes to Detroit as does Monk, DS gets signed as sign and trade leaving the MLE open
As you may know, I proposed that trade a week ago several times. The obvious prize is Jaquez so no DDR for Wiggins.
I was hoping to get Watson, Jaquez, Kuminga, Black. Unfortunate we didn’t Watson in the Val trade. Kuminga appears to have priced himself out of discussion. If we made this trade at least we have some interesting young talent. Murray, Ellis, Jaquez, Raynaud, Nique, maybe Carter. I guess if we overpay for Kuminga it would not be horrific. I’d like to see some team options if we make a deal with Kuminga.
At least you can see the beginning of a rebuild,
Quite disturbing to see some defense on the idea of getting yet another overrated and unpaid player who will cost not only assets but a lot of money.
So I guess the GM shenanigans of the Kings has inspired fans to act the same accordingly. This is vile and disgusting. If you are a rebuilding franchise, your clear goal is to trade bad contracts for anything. I don’t care if it is 2nds and an expiring. You need to free up as much cap as possible and then out of your young guys who pan out successfully and want to build around, you pay those guys.
You can address needs with free agency but they should be paid reasonably and on a deal no longer than 2 years. They should take a back seat regarding role.
Right now the Kings despite being the 14th largest market, are one of the worst destinations for a player. The lack of drafted talent and poor player development, on top of lack of success compared to the 3 other California teams also play a role. Sacramento has a trash reputation. Getting someone like Kuminga when you already have Sabonis, DeRozan, LaVine, Monk (aka all bad contracts), this further gives the team a mockery meme status.
I’m disappointed and think I am genuinely going crazy. You do not overpay mid or bad players. You do not waste cap on said players. We have seen this happen with Sabonis and Monk. They acquired DeMar last year in a trade that has not worked and they traded Fox for LaVine as a last ditch effort to run a pathetic play in campaign last year. Now Kuminga? No. That is not acceptable. It’s embarrassing when you see how far behind the Kings are. The fact I expect Utah, Charlotte, Wizards, and the Trailblazers to make a deep payoff run in the future before the Kings will further echo my hatred and sentiments to this miserable franchise. Kuminga to the Kings especially overpay is nothing else but “horrific.”
I couldn’t agree with you more and if you read any of my posts a complete tear down is the preferred path and I’ve been screaming about not overpaying for mid tier and bench players. You end up chasing your tail forever when you do that. I’m worried we will do that with both Keegan and Ellis.
I laid out a complete rebuild path on previous articles. I do however sound a bit wishy washy when I say overpaying for Kuminga wouldn’t be the worst thing. My overpay however would have team options where you can get out after two years. We are however going to have to take some chances on young flyers and Kuminga fits the profile for that. I mentioned Kuminga quite awhile ago never expecting him to command these type of numbers.
I also have to accept the reality of Kings management and know they are just not ready for a complete tear down. With that said, I am vehemently opposing anything that precludes a well done complete rebuild. Schroder you can get out after two years and maybe sooner with minimal long term harm. A long term overpay for someone like Kuminga would be a complete disaster if it didn’t work out which is why I’m recommending some team options giving the Kings some flexibility. I’m also cautioning loudly not to overpay for Kuminga and Ellis. Alexander Walker just signed a 4 year 62 million contract. I would have taken that. The numbers being mentioned for Kuminga and Murray are also at twice that which is insane,
So to sum up, I want a complete tear down and rebuild. Dump long term payroll, acquire as much draft capital as possible, take a couple chances on young talent like Watson, Black, Strawther, Jaquez, Kuminga. When you have your payroll under control and minimized then consider taking on a bad contract in exchange for draft capital or a young flyer. I agree with you and you said it very well but I’m also thinking in a compromised way given the mindset of Kings management.
My apologies then. I got the impression you wanted that as opposed to what will likely happen. I am new here as an user and previously I would look at game threads for years since 2014 just to see reaction comments and laugh. Old Sactown Royalty days.
The good news is, the Kings are likely not getting Kuminga and the Warriors seem to be content with eating crow. And to be honest, I rather keep Carter, Saric and 2 2nds instead of Kuminga. Saric and Carter can help you get a top 3 pick. That alone makes them have more valuable than Kuminga because Kuminga hinders the development of Clifford, Carter and nets you a pathetic mid 30+ win aeason. I rather get early to mid 20s because that rewards you a top 3 pick where as sub 20 win gives you a number 5 pick as evident since the new lottery system. It’s not worth it. It’s a perfect strategy that works both ways. Saric and Carter are hungry to prove themselves. If they suck and don’t improve, they guarantee a high 1st round pick. If they make improvements, then they show development and thus trade value eventually because of their contract deals. Kuminga? Kuminga….is not gonna improve nor get any better. If he couldn’t get minutes on the bench buy guys like Len, TD can, then why pursue him?
I am afraid to say thiz but realistically, only Domas will give the Kings a pick in return. And honestly take it. Trading Domas for a 1st and expiring is based. Do it. DeRozan, Monk, I would trade for an expiring wing and a 2nd. That way you can assess your biggest weakness and test how your wings hold up. Pacers and Thunder have proven that the new meta of success is not only 3 and D but versatility in terms of executing defenses switches and excelling the advanced 2-2-1 zone and other complex concepts to not only defend the 3 but reduce opponent attempts. Factor in hedges, and getting guys to move towards the middle instead of the baseline or corner, is a guarantee success for your defense as a foundation to build upon.
DeMar, as much as I respect him, cannot work in this era anymore. Even with the knowledge I have on his shot chart leading 3 mid zones for scoring, that doesn’t mean anything. The game has changed.
I have no problem with Nique wearing 5. Fox gave up on Sac so I see no controversy on him wearing it.
Yeah, don’t get why there is or was a controversy. The number is not retired so it’s up for grabs.
It’s not like Fox lead the Kings to multiple playoff runs and was part of a winning culture during his time here.
Good player, had a few good seasons. Sac has had a derth of quality talent for their 40 years that they cling on to guys like him.
Yeah I think we were going to be faced with paying him a super max contract which to me is above his skill level. I just wish the trade with SAS included Castle.
$50+ million for 5 years for a player that wasn’t even the clear cut no.1 on his 40 win team.
SAS may not resign him if their draft pick performs like a number 2 pick. He might be on the free agent market this time next year.
He is extension eligible in early August, so we will see.
They’ll at least resign him to turn around and trade him, or a SnT. They’re not going to fumble the asset like Monte/Vivek did.
Did Raynaud get the ok from Walt Williams to wear 42?
Yes, he agreed to wear high socks.
Trade scenario: Monk, Carter and draft compensation for Kuminga.
DeRozan for Rozier and Jaquez.
Starters: Schroder, Ellis, Murray, Kuminga, Sabonis
Backups: Rozier, LaVine, Clifford, Jaquez, Raynaud, I. Jones, Eubanks.
Word from Miami is that they want to to see what their youth, Bam and Herro and Wiggins an do in a full season together. That doesn’t mean they won’t change the roster, I just don’t know when that will be.
My guess is that DDR will be moved by the deadline.
Neither Rozier and Jaquez are starters so maybe they still want DeRozan. Demar could be sandwiched between Hero and Wiggins,
Just a note: On the above roster only 3 players are 30 or older. Schoder(31) LaVine(30) andRozier(31) That’s getting reactive younger.
Just learned that the Warriors have turned down Saramento’s offer of Carter Monk and 2 seconds. They want a young good player and a first for Kuminga. If that’s what would make this deal then do it. The Kings have a 2031 unprotected first from Minny. DO IT. Get on with other things important.
No thanks. It only makes sense to gamble on a player like JK at the right cost, both in assets and salary. Too much of either and the Kings should walk.
I tend to agree. There are other players and deals out there. I like John Collins a lot. Not that old and work playing next to Sabonis Good fit. I still could go after Jabari Smith. PJ Washington is another good fit. Kuminga isn’t the only fish in the ocean. I hope the Warriors mess this up and the one losing at the end. Perry isn’t them one who is going to lose. I have faith in his decision.
Hell no. We can’t give up anymore draft capital. We need to acquire more, The part that is missing is how much do we have to pay him. Seems like an overpay.
no draft capital- i.e. FRP’s for JK. Keep him- he will be useful as Horfords rookie
Jack, Jack, what are you smoking? You want to trade way too bad.
The unprotected Minny pick is potentially a good one- save that for the real PG trade, not waste it on a guy who has way too high of an opinion of himself (JK). Ok, he scores sometimes but has no outside shot, never passes and plays no defense. Nope on that one.
who is the good young player they want? Keegan I am sure- Dunleavy is just so full of it.
JK is worth Saric + (reluctantly) Cater and 2 seconds but only if he signs for 15M.
the duds can eat it.
I mentioned on the other thread, JK is a restricted free agent. Giving the Warriors a trade is one option. The Kings could just as easily salary dump with another team and ink JK to contract the Dubs would be squeamish to match and they would get nothing.
A young player and pick is a high demand for JK, but completely ridiculous when they don’t even have him under contract. If Perry is serious about signing him, he’s already talking to him and his agent, giving him numbers the Warrior won’t match and poisoning the Dubs position here. I only bring this up because I get the feeling the Dubs don’t understand they are playing a game of chicken here, he is not their asset.
So Houston trades Cam Withmore for just 2 second round picks?
That’s the kind of low cost deal I would do (both low acquisition and salary costs), instead of Kuminga. Kudos to the Wizards.
I really liked Whitmore.Why couldn’t we have traded 2 seconds for him. Would hece fitted right in.
Another trade: Monk, Saric and Carter for John Collins. His fit with the Kings would be perfect. Still have DeRozan for Rosier and Jaquez.
Did a comparison on Collins and Kuminga. Collins wins hands down. He is even a better fit.
I know you like that DeRozan to the Heat trade but the Heat aren’t going that one.
Whitmore is from the DC area- agent in the middle of that + two seconds from the Wizards is like a late FRP from others. Wiards are bad.
The second rounders: one is the bulls and one is ours (2029).
The Kings have squandered 2nd round picks for years. They have two locked up in the trade up to 24 to get Nique. They sent a bunch out last season. I think they only had one 2md rounder left that could be traded.
2nd rounders are great for smaller acquisitions, like Laravia amd JV last year. Sure would be nice to have 4 or 5 in the coffers for some of these moves.
Another missed opportunity. The perfect type of acquisition. The Wizards are making some pretty good moves.
Another good move, I think, is the Sixers signed Jabari Walker (previously on Portland) to a two-way deal. Decent 6’7 forward that was just injured.
OT: Vivek saving more money per SI
no doubt about it – this worked out very sweetly for Sacramento. They’ve saved $20M and ended their contract obligations that would have lasted two more years.
If I’m Doug Christie – I’m a bit more nervous about my job security.
He can’t think he should re-negotiate terms on his current deal, because he really shouldn’t have any deal, including the one he has.
Badge Legend