Rumor has it that time and a Chris Paul trade are the last two factors in the way of Kobe Sanders on a standard contract. It has been a two-way since he was drafted; however, the LA Clippers should keep it this way, as the Nevada product is still not ready. He needs to sharpen his talons in the G-League.
The loss to the Oklahoma City Thunder provided a clear view of Sanders. He had a filthy fadeaway and a perfectly released three-pointer that cashed into the net, but also had a career-high of six turnovers.
On the season, Sanders averaged 6.3 points, 2.0 rebounds, and 1.4 assists, shooting 42.1% from the field, 35.3% from a distance, and the second-highest charity stripe percentage at 91.7%.
Thus, Sanders can score well on the NBA level. He showed flashes against the Thunder and has had multiple 17-point performances in his favor. However, he is a combo guard who has a struggling IQ, which the San Diego Clippers can improve.
Kobe Sanders’ contract should be converted when the time is right
It is just as crucial to attend to rookies as it is not to rush them. Everyone started somewhere differently, and only a select few should be treated as veterans; these are usually the top picks.
Kobe Sanders was once in the higher-end regard, but the latest loss to the Oklahoma City Thunder, a 4-11 shooting from the floor against the Miami Heat, and a five-turnover night earlier in the year versus the Orlando Magic changed the reality.
It is not that Tyronn Lue should not trust him. No, he is still an exceptional point guard who has the potential to be the best bench piece on the LA Clippers.
In fact, one of Lue’s rights this season has been how Sanders is playing regardless of his mistakes. It seems the coaching staff never considered benching him, despite recording a high number of turnovers against the Thunder and Magic.
Sanders just needs to get called down for stretches in the G-League, where the coaches there can individually teach him when a double team is about to arrive and when to pass before the defense traps him with pressure.
That said, though Sanders starred for a bit, it is clear he had a fluke-like run. He should be used in accordance with what two-way contract players do and develop at a pace that is neither too slow nor too fast.