Unfathomable Ty Lue lineup decision confirms Kobe Sanders is being ignored

Earlier in the week, Tyronn Lue confirmed to the LA Clippers’ media that Kris Dunn would be in the starting lineup the rest of the way. To keep it brief, this news is hard to comprehend, as Kobe Sanders has been outplaying Dunn by a mile, as of late. The rookie is undeniably a better fit to start heading into the playoffs, but by rolling with the veteran guard, Lue has made it obvious that the player deserving of a late-season promotion is being ignored.

In fact, Sanders has scored 45 points and drilled nine three-pointers over the last three games. This is impressive, and to add, he has posted remarkable shooting splits of 58.3% from the field and 56.3% from beyond the arc.

It’s impossible for a coach to see this and still start an offensive liability that can easily be played off the floor. As a result, Lue will eventually realize where he went wrong, but by then, the damage might be irreversible.

Tyronn Lue should know better than to choose Kris Dunn over Kobe Sanders

Every fan of the LA Clippers knows where Kris Dunn is valuable, and that’s defense. He is one of the best in the world at his craft and embraces the hustle side of the game, in which the team is very fortunate to have; LA would truly be lost without an identity if he didn’t exist.

In the same breath, fans are also aware that Dunn is one of the few players on the Clippers who can take them out of a ball game. By simply forcing him into tough offensive spots, using his shooting weaknesses against him, and making him uncomfortable every time down the court, an opponent can flip a close game into a notable lead.

Tyronn Lue is no stranger to this either. He’s seen it at times throughout Dunn’s tenure as a Clipper, and more importantly, in the playoffs.

So, the best way to get the best out of him is to keep him on the bench and play him accordingly. When Lue needs a stop, or a point guard to handle the ball while Darius Garland gets a quick breather, Dunn is the guy.

However, in no world should he be starting over a player like Sanders, who may be a rookie, but can score at all three levels and hold his ground defensively.

That said, though Sanders has proven himself since day one and has grown tremendously, he’s being neglected, and the reasoning doesn't make sense.