Clippers guard Kobe Sanders posts career-high 26 points in second season start

Kobe Sanders scored a career-high 26 points in a 125-118 loss to the Toronto Raptors on Monday night. The performance marked his second start of the season and arrived just seven games into his second year with the Los Angeles Clippers. Sanders is currently averaging 11 points, 3.1 rebounds, 2.1 assists, and 1.3 steals per game.

The guard signed a four-year, $11.2 million contract in July following a strong rookie campaign. In his first season, Sanders averaged 7.3 points, 2.3 rebounds, and 1.6 assists over 68 games. He started 16 of those games. The Clippers promoted him from a two-way contract to a standard deal in February of last season, signaling their belief in his long-term value.

Sanders was selected in the late second round out of Nevada. He described his rookie year as a period of self-imposed pressure. He aimed to adapt from being the primary option in college to playing a specific role in the NBA. "Just knowing how to play a role and adapting from the role in college you played, where you're the main guy, to coming to the NBA where you're not," Sanders said.

He sought guidance from veterans who faced similar career trajectories. Guard Kris Dunn and forward Derrick Jones Jr. served as mentors. Sanders credited them for helping him navigate the league's demands. "Just leaning on guys who could give advice from being in similar situations," he said. Both players secured NBA roles after spending time in the G League.

Dunn was the No. 5 pick in the 2016 draft. He bounced between the NBA and G League for several years before signing a multi-year deal with the Utah Jazz in 2023. He joined the Clippers in 2024 via a three-year, $16.3 million sign-and-trade agreement. Sanders noted that Dunn and Jones Jr. did not follow the traditional path to the league. "Focusing on the defensive side, I leaned heavily on them and because they didn't have the traditional path to the NBA, both of them," Sanders said.

Sanders is working to become a two-way player this season. He aims to excel as a catch-and-shoot threat on offense while maintaining defensive intensity. He missed training camp and the preseason due to a hip impingement sustained during a workout. "I think I have the potential of being a really good two-way player and just focusing on being a good catch-and-shoot guy on the offensive side and bringing that defensive intensity," he said.

Assistant coach Brian Shaw praised Sanders' development. Shaw noted that Sanders has emerged as a talented ball handler capable of managing pressure. "He puts in his time. We have an old saying, 'When you pay your dues, your dues will pay you back.' I think he's a perfect example of that," Shaw said.

Sanders is watching the progress of fellow guard Keaton Wagler, who sits two lockers away. Wagler was the No. 5 overall pick in the June NBA draft. He entered the league at 19 after one season at Illinois. Despite his 6-foot-5, 188-pound frame, Wagler has shown poise at the free-throw line. In seven games, he has taken 46 free-throw attempts and is shooting 84.8%.

Sanders sees parallels between his own rookie journey and Wagler's current situation. He admires Wagler's ability to remain composed regardless of shooting struggles. "To see how poised he stays no matter the ups and downs and shows just the hell of a player he is," Sanders said. "It shows every night; his feel for the game is always there and whether his shots fall or whatever, he always makes an impact on the game."

The Clippers host the Miami Heat on Wednesday at 7:30 p.m. at the Intuit Dome.