NBA decision looms for Nique Clifford: Arguments for pro or college for CSU basketball star
To stay or to go?
The time is here for that decision to be finalized for Colorado State men’s basketball player Nique Clifford.
The 6-foot-5 (as measured without shoes at the combine) wing entered his name into the NBA draft process in April, while leaving the door open for a return to CSU for his final season of college eligibility (the transfer window is closed, so if he plays in college it would be with the Rams).
CSU has held a scholarship open for Clifford if he chooses to play another year in Fort Collins.
He must withdraw his name from the draft by the end of Wednesday, May 29 to return to college, otherwise he will be eligible to be selected in the two-round NBA draft June 26-27. It's a decision that has come down to the final day, with Clifford holding a pre-draft workout the day of.
Here’s a look at what analysts are on saying on Clifford’s status following the NBA combine and the arguments for a return and for turning pro.
What basketball analysts say about Nique Clifford’s NBA draft status
As a note to keep in mind, there will be 58 players picked in the 2024 NBA draft.
The Athletic: Sam Vecenie’s mid-May mock draft has Clifford going with the final pick (No. 58 overall) to the Dallas Mavericks.
ESPN: Jonathan Givony and Jeremy Woo compiled a ranking of the top 100 prospects and have Clifford 89th overall.
CBS Sports: Kyle Boone writes “I'm buying big on Clifford long term but he had a mixed week at the combine with some good and some bad that mostly kept his stock idle. The frame and shooting project neatly for him at the NBA level so I'd understand if he stayed in. Returning to school and building off a breakout season last year at Colorado State might do him well, though.”
Sports Illustrated: Kevin Sweeney writes that Clifford “could really help himself by going back and continuing to improve while being on draft radar all year. Love his game as a connecting wing, didn't play great in Combine setting. Rams could be back in at-large convo if he returns.”
The Ringer: Kevin O’Connor’s big board of prospects includes a ranking of his top-70 prospects and Clifford isn’t listed.
The case for Nique Clifford going pro
Clifford stepped into a perfect situation for the 2023-24 season after transferring to the Rams from Colorado. In Boulder he wasn’t in a system to showcase his versatility. At CSU he was and with a point guard (Isaiah Stevens) who frequently put him in advantageous situations.
Especially in nonconference play, Clifford used that to his advantage and vaulted into the NBA conversation with versatile defense, impressive athleticism and solid shooting.
A year later, he wouldn’t have Stevens if he returns to the Rams. While CSU has made several intriguing offseason roster additions, how good the Rams will be is a bit of a question mark.
There’s a case for Clifford to strike while the iron is hot after a breakout 2023-24 season and jump into the pro realm (in what is considered a weak draft class) and try to make his way. He’s already played four years of college and it would be understandable if he was ready to take his chance at making a roster.
Even if he were to go undrafted, he would have chances in summer league and/or potentially on a two-way deal to earn his way onto a roster.
The Nuggets and the Hawks were among his individual team workouts following the combine.
The case for Nique Clifford returning to Colorado State
Clifford had an up-and-down combine, keeping his NBA draft stock relatively neutral, which is at best on seemingly considered the fringes of the draft. His shooting was somewhat streaky at the combine, but he showcased his versatility as well.
Now that his name is in the conversation, a year with all NBA scouting eyes on him could help him further build his case for a selection in the 2025 NBA draft.
Also, he would be the centerpiece and star of the show for the Rams. He would get a chance to shine as the leading man and, if he performed consistently in that role, it would only boost his draft chances. It's also expected Clifford could be in line for a strong NIL deal in his final season at CSU.
Another year working with CSU’s staff could help him refine his game, especially offensively, to a more complete package to make it so teams felt they had to take a chance on him in the draft.
Follow sports reporter Kevin Lytle on X and Instagram @Kevin_Lytle.
This article originally appeared on Fort Collins Coloradoan: Colorado State's Nique Clifford must make NBA draft decision soon
