Kobe Sanders’ young production should have the front office jumping for joy, as seeing him evolve at such an early stage of his professional career is an absolute luxury. On the flip side, everyone behind the scenes needs to take into account that Sanders is still a rookie who needs development.
In the two games prior to yesterday’s loss against the Orlando Magic, Sanders posted 11 points and six rebounds against the Boston Celtics and 17 points with three three-pointers against the Philadelphia 76ers.
However, against the Magic, he had his first disappointing start and showed that, like any other rookie, he makes mistakes. Thus, in 26 minutes, he recorded six points, five turnovers, four personal fouls, and shot 2-8 from the field.
That said, the key for the Clippers in utilizing Sanders and maximizing his game correlates to teaching him the ropes, which will remove pressure from a roster that is aging rapidly.
The LA Clippers need Kobe Sanders’ cost-efficient contributions
As the other half of the LA Clippers’ superstar duo is hurt in the two-time champion, Kawhi Leonard, Tyronn Lue has to avoid removing James Harden from the game as many times as possible. Harden may give a thumbs-up to providing his 110% for 75% of the game, even if he is sore afterwards, but Lue, as a former player, understands the consequences of overwork.
Moreover, the Clippers have not had much offense without Leonard, so their goal with the surprising second-round pick, Kobe Sanders, should be to develop him to the point where he can manage a lineup on his own.
It will not be to the degree Harden does, but Lue just needs someone else to win minutes and supply a sense of peace of mind to the coaches on the sidelines.
On the contrary, in between actually developing him, the Clippers must remember that he is on a two-way contract. This limits Sanders to 50 games before he must be converted, and he has already used seven of them.
The Clippers may have bittersweet feelings about this league restriction, as it also means he will be in action while on a heavily discounted rookie deal.
Nonetheless, his last seven games may be just the start of a promising career for the 23-year-old rising star. The trajectory to greatness is there, and with proper growth, Harden and the rest of the veterans could end up thanking him.