Celtics could use familiar strategy to land dream fit at 2025 NBA Draft

Armed with picks No. 28 and 32, it's paramount the Boston Celtics add at least one contributor on a rookie deal at the 2025 NBA Draft. The pursuit of Banner 19 requires navigating Jayson Tatum's franchise-altering injury shrewdly.

That likely means getting under the second apron between now and the end of the next league year. Taking a step back, which likely involves parting with Jrue Holiday and Kristaps Porzingis, will create more roster-building and financial flexibility moving forward.

That approach likely means a minimum of veteran acquisitions this summer and in the regular season. Utilizing a deep draft class to find at least one youthful contributor on a team-friendly deal will go a long way toward helping Boston contend upon Tatum's return.

As Hardwood Houdini continues its deep dive into prospects projected to go in the Celtics' range, it's time for a comprehensive breakdown of Nique Clifford's strengths, weaknesses, and fit with the franchise.

Getting to know Nique Clifford

The super senior enters the draft at age 23. Clifford started his collegiate career at Derrick White's alma mater, the University of Colorado, before transferring to Colorado State for his final two seasons.

Clifford led the Rams in scoring, assists, rebounding, and steals in the 2024-25 campaign. He averaged 18.9 points, 9.6 rebounds, 4.4 assists, and 1.2 thefts. He also drilled 37.7 percent of the 4.9 threes he hoisted.

The Colorado Springs native measured at over six-foot-five without shoes on at the combine. His six-foot-eight wingspan and a standing reach stretching eight feet and six-and-a-half inches are essential to his defensive versatility. More on that later.

Nique Clifford's offensive profile

Clifford looking unguardable against Mountain West competition was commonplace. His physicality, length, and size posed problems when teams tried putting a guard on him.

Even against wings his size or taller, he does a great job utilizing his shoulder as he attacks downhill. The Colorado State star is an explosive athlete who effectively creates for himself off the dribble, including from beyond the arc.

Clifford's growth as a shooter is essential to his continued evolution. He has gone from a player who averaged fewer than two three-point attempts in his Sophomore season and shot 28.8 percent on 2.1 triples the following year to a conversion rate in the high 30s while launching at least three per contest in each of the last two seasons.

Clifford's standout skill

What stands out most to this author about this prospect offensively is how his feel for the game shines through his facilitating.

Clifford sees the floor well and delivers the ball with zip and accuracy, allowing teammates to go right up with it. A purveyor of dimes, if there's a passing window open, he can fit the ball through it. He can even create some of those windows.

The former Ram has the ability to serve as a high-level connector at the next level.

The dynamic wing would be a great fit alongside Tatum and Jaylen Brown. He could quickly prove capable of a high usage rate when the latter is off the floor next season, even if a player like White or Payton Pritchard are the primary creators in those situations.

Clifford's defensive profile

While it may be surprising to hear about someone his height, Clifford's length allows him to excel as the low man on defense. That applies to rotating from the weak side to protect the rim and closing out to contest corner threes.

He does an excellent job of elevating vertically and utilizing his wingspan to challenge attempts at the rim without fouling.

Clifford's also a disruptive help defender. He frequently made a play on the ball by jumping passing lanes and swiping at the rock to thwart downhill drives.

What he brings to the table as a help defender is a testament to his ability to read the game and willingness to make multiple efforts.

While the Colorado State product's most impactful as a help defender, his defensive versatility extends to the ability to stay attached on drives and guard multiple positions.

His switchability would make him a great fit in Boston's defensive scheme.

Clifford's a crucial contributor on the margins

Clifford makes his presence felt on the boards at both ends of the floor.

He averaged 1.5 offensive rebounds in his final year with the Rams. He extended at least one possession per game in his final three collegiate seasons. A team will be thrilled to get that production from someone his size.

Clifford also utilizes his length to make a significant impact on the glass at the other end of the floor. His knack for ending the opposition's possessions, coupled with his playmaking in transition, will also raise his approval rating with whoever drafts him.

Nique Clifford's draft range

Clifford's playmaking, defensive versatility, and impact on the boards will earn him consideration from teams picking in the late teens. However, it's common to see him mocked around pick No. 23.

That puts the Celtics within striking distance if he slides. If he's still on the board when Boston comes on the clock, the fanbase should be ecstatic if his name is on the card the team turns in.

The NBA's reigning champions -- for the time being -- selected a pair of older players, Baylor Scheierman and Anton Watson, at last year's draft. They both turned 24 before last season started. Clifford, a super senior, will reach that age in February.

Scheierman impressed in his opportunities later in his rookie campaign. Tatum's injury and the prospect of significant roster turnover with few additions create the possibility for Clifford to have a more involved role immediately.

The skill set and feel for the game are in place for him to handle it well, elevate his teammates, and continue growing if given that opportunity.