Nique Clifford - NBA Mock Draft Roundup 1.0

The Thunder have built one of the deepest rosters in the NBA. There aren't many true positions of need on the roster. OKC can take the best player available. Clifford can shoot, rebound, and defend at a very high level. At 6-6, he was the shortest player in Division l basketball who averaged at least 9.5 rebounds per game.

Clifford took advantage of a larger role with the Rams, averaging 18.9 points, 9.6 rebounds, 4.4 assists and 1.2 steals on 37.7% shooting from 3-point range. He established himself as a versatile player who can score, defend at a high level and playmake for others. He is a prospect to watch throughout the predraft process who can climb higher, given his overall skill set.

Clifford had about as strong of a close to the season as a player can have, leading Colorado State from the middle of the Mountain West in January to the cusp of the Sweet 16 if not for a Derik Queen game-winner as time expired in the Round of 32. From Feb. 8 onward, Clifford averaged 21.5 points, 9.6 rebounds, five assists and 1.4 steals while shooting 51 percent from the field, 47 percent from 3 and 80 percent from the line.

Orlando could use another player who is smart and can knock down shots from the perimeter. Clifford's defensive play might also appeal to coach Jamahl Mosley. It is worth noting that they took a player similar to this in Tristan da Silva last year, but you can't have enough big wings who can shoot and defend.

Pro Comparison: Cody Martin

Nique Clifford's 21 points, seven boards and six assists weren't enough to hold off Maryland, but his overall production and development from a year ago definitely won more NBA scouts.

He had come off as a prospect to watch this season based on his ability to play a Swiss Army knife role by finishing plays, passing, defending different spots and making enough open threes. But he quickly turned into a top-option skill player who can get his own shot or serve as the offense's playmaker.

Scouting report: Clifford has built positive buzz this spring, receiving consideration from teams inside the top 20, with a chance to be a riser over the next few weeks. The dearth of experienced, reliable older college wings will help Clifford's stock coming off a do-it-all season at Colorado State. As an above-average athlete who can play a variety of roles, he is tracking as a plug-and-play option for teams looking to address a need directly with their selection. -- Woo

NBA intel and fit: Indiana has used the draft well to cultivate depth in recent years and is entering a win-now phase with Tyrese Haliburton elevating the franchise. Clifford's readiness to contribute would be a boost for the Pacers' bench, which presently lacks a bigger, more athletic wing defender in his mold. -- Woo

Clifford was a five-year college player outside of the power conferences who morphed into one of the best players in the sport this season. Originally a defensive specialist, Clifford got better and better offensively every year, culminating in a star turn in a heavier on-ball role this season. A strong 6'6 wing, Clifford is an active defender and excellent rebounder who plays with physicality and has quick hands. The Rams needed him to create with the ball in his hands this year, and he showed improved passing chops and a developing mid-range game. Clifford isn't a high volume three-point shooter and probably won't get many on-ball reps in the league, but he should be a multi-positional defender who brings toughness at both ends.

Clifford's maturity as a defender and versatility on offense just make too much sense for the Magic. This past season at Colorado State, Clifford was just as effective shooting from 3 out of the pick-and-roll as he was coming off screens. He created for himself at the elbows. He took on tough assignments. He did Niko Medved's taxes. I made the last one up, but that's how diligent and capable Clifford is. He is more or less the same age as Paolo Banchero and Franz Wagner, so while he took a much longer road to the league, he'll be ready to roll in a way that Orlando needs.

Clifford is a true two-way stud who is a 3-and-D weapon ready to contribute for virtually any team with his skill set. He has made steady strides across five college seasons and is ready to contribute from the jump.

Clifford is a tough-as-nails wing who does it all. He defends multiple positions, crashes the boards and scores from everywhere. The Timberwolves could use that type of dynamic ability from a role player, since Clifford can offer some creation and passing on top of his foundational skills. And plus with Nickeil Alexander-Walker set to hit free agency, Minnesota might need someone who's ready sooner than later.