Nique Clifford is so new to this OKC Thunder team, coach Daigneault jokingly admitted that he doesn't fully believe he knows his first name is Mark.
Yet, despite this, the headman could realistically throw the forward into extensive minutes during Wednesday's rematch bout against the Portland Trail Blazers.
At least, that's what one may find themselves believing following his recent remarks on Clifford's debut outing with the Thunder.
When talking to the media about the sophomore's first showing with OKC, coach Daigneault stressed that he "thought he played good minutes" during Tuesday's 123-103 loss to Portland despite not knowing the playbook or yet having a rapport with his new running mates, and that his whole approach to developing players is, "If there's an opportunity, get him out there."
Now, it just so happens that this already injury-riddled Thunder squad will be coming into the second night of their back-to-back against the Blazers even more short-staffed, as it was just announced that Ajay Mitchell will be sidelined with an ankle sprain.
With a total of seven players on the club's injury report, there are bound to be a bevy of minutes up for grabs as Oklahoma City looks to stave off their first consecutive string of losses of the season.
Especially with their current second-in-command now shelved, the Thunder are going to need all hands on deck. Perhaps this means more Nique Clifford minutes are on the horizon.
Thunder should look to Jared McCain as their number two option
Though losing Mitchell is far from ideal, the Thunder will fortunately have the emerging Jared McCain to potentially replace him within the pecking order.
After a rough start to the season, particularly in the shooting efficiency department, the 22-year-old has come alive over these last three games, averaging 20.3 points and 4.3 rebounds while shooting a lights-out 63.9 percent from the floor and 47.4 percent from deep.
In his most recent outing, conveniently against this same Trail Blazers team, McCain would go on to drop 21 points, the second-highest mark on the team behind only Shai Gilgeous-Alexander's 26, while cashing in on four of his seven attempts from long range and shooting 50.0 percent from the field as a whole.
When he's in a groove, McCain is one of Oklahoma City's most impactful offensive weapons. Throughout his time in the Sooner State, combined with regular-season and playoff action, the Thunder are 15-3 when the junior drops 14 or more points.
Hopefully, they can add another game to the win column in this fashion Wednesday night against the Blazers.
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