A six-foot-eight point guard, who was once an impressive scorer for the Portland Trail Blazers, was just signed to a ten-day contract by the LA Clippers. He goes by the name Dalanto Banton, and he is a walking bucket that the front office has taken minimal risk on, which could yield high rewards.
The Los Angeles Clippers have agreed to a 10-day contract with Dalano Banton, league sources told @hoopshype. The 26-year-old guard has averaged 6.8 points in 14.5 minutes during four NBA seasons combined with the Toronto Raptors, Boston Celtics, and Portland Trail Blazers. pic.twitter.com/evfTSgirB8
— Michael Scotto (@MikeAScotto) February 7, 2026
On the Trail Blazers in 2023-24, Banton averaged 16.7 points, 4.8 rebounds, and 3.6 assists, shooting 40.8% from the floor across 30 games. The size of these numbers is substantial enough to convince Lawrence Frank that the scoring is still there.
However, recently, in the G-League, Banton has re-established himself with the Texas Legends, and, to his benefit, he is only 26 years old. He fits right into the Clippers’ plans, if they decide to secure the Nebraska product long-term.
Dalano Banton, off the bench, could surprise opponents of the LA Clippers
Teams that face the LA Clippers may be aware that Dalano Banton is on the team, but they will likely not have him in their scouting report. Their focus will be on Kawhi Leonard, John Collins, and Derrick Jones Jr., the three players attracting all of the attention from defenses until LA’s deadline acquisitions are available.
This is perfect, as there is no better time Banton could have been signed. He may be the surprise that helps the Clippers win games in the second unit by scoring with size, assisting with IQ, and applying the tools he has learned at every level of basketball.
It is also worth noting that just last season, in April, Banton closed out the regular season for the Toronto Raptors, scoring in double figures through six out of seven contests. He posted as high as 23 points, not once but twice, and dished out a handful of dimes, along with a four-block performance versus the Atlanta Hawks.
Banton clearly knows how to maximize his size in a way few do, and in retrospect, he is a prototype point guard with distinct experience that the Clippers have not really used to the fullest.
Additionally, he will fit extremely well with Jordan Miller and Kobe Sanders, complementing their skill sets on both sides of the ball, especially in zone coverages and on the help-side.
That said, in a new land of opportunity centered around youth, Banton may easily thrive for the Clippers. Though he will have to work for a guaranteed roster spot, this could be one of the great finds for Lawrence Frank that the vast majority overlooked.