On Sunday, the OKC Thunder finally pulled the trigger in the trade market and acquired wing Nique Clifford from the Sacramento Kings. The move was far from a swing for the fences, as it cost GM Sam Presti just two second-round picks to pull off.
Clifford had long been working his way out of the Kings' rotation before the deal, and it should provide the former first-rounder with a fresh start. In short, the move should work out nicely for all parties involved.
While Clifford should receive a legitimate opportunity in Bricktown, it's a fresh reminder of what OKC has already lost this season. The sophomore demonstrated his multifaceted ability to defend, rebound, and score in his college days at Colorado State. It was a skillset reminiscent of the Thunder's Jalen Williams, but he has yet to translate it to the professional level.
Thunder will continue their search for Jalen Williams look-alike (and they will fail)
Hopefully, the developmental prowess of coach Mark Daigneault and the rest of his coaching staff can work to get the best out of their new asset. It wouldn't be the first time OKC has been able to maximize the talent of an overlooked player.
Even if Clifford does pan out, however, he won't come close to matching the production of what has already been lost.
The Thunder have been able to continue their winning ways despite the absence of J-Dub, but the reality is he possesses a one-of-one kind of ability, and no amount of outside help will replace it.
The acquisition of Clifford is more than likely a thought experiment from the front office. More of a project at this point in his career, Clifford still presents a potential ceiling that the Thunder could tap into (see last season's trade for Jared McCain). If the move fails to pan out, though, it wouldn't be a surprise to see Oklahoma City continue to hunt for ways to improve their roster.
Nique Clifford doesn't come to Thunder without competition
Nique Clifford will certainly need to prove his worth if he wishes to resurrect his career.
Players like Kenrich Williams, Bennett Stirtz, and Josh Dix are currently vying for minutes on the wings, so there is no guarantee the youngster will be able to walk into a free role. However, the acquisition is yet another excellent low-risk maneuver by Sam Presti. If the project fails, the Thunder will only have lost two second-round picks as a result.
But if Presti strikes gold yet again, then the Thunder will have another young stud under contract for years to come, thus adding to their already deep core.
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