Clippers Guard Kobe Sanders Improves Stats

Kobe Sanders is playing better basketball than he did a year ago.

The Clippers guard is averaging 11 points, 3.1 rebounds, 2.1 assists, and 1.3 steals over his first seven games of the season. He scored a career high of 26 points in a 125-118 loss to the Toronto Raptors on Monday night. Sanders started that game as part of a rotation shift that has given him a larger role on the court.

His progress stands in contrast to his rookie campaign. Sanders averaged 7.3 points, 2.3 rebounds, and 1.6 assists in 68 games last season. He started 16 of those games. The team promoted him from a two way contract to a standard NBA deal in February. He signed a four year contract worth $11.2 million in July.

Sanders credits his growth to learning how to manage expectations. He noted that he was the primary player in college but had to adapt to a supporting role in the NBA. He said he leaned on veterans who had similar career paths. Those players include guard Kris Dunn and forward Derrick Jones Jr.

Dunn was the fifth overall pick in 2016. He spent several seasons moving between the NBA and the G League before joining the Clippers in 2024 via a sign and trade deal. Sanders said he focused on defensive intensity while working with Dunn and Jones Jr.

Assistant coach Brian Shaw noted that Sanders has emerged as a talented ball handler. Shaw said the guard puts in the time required to succeed. He used the saying that paying one's dues leads to rewards. Shaw described Sanders as a perfect example of that principle.

Sanders missed training camp and the preseason with a hip impingement. He hopes to become a two way player who can shoot the ball off the catch and play tough defense. He is also watching the development of teammate Keaton Wagler. Wagler was the fifth overall pick in June's draft. The 19 year old has shown poise at the free throw line, shooting 84.8 percent in seven games. Sanders said he admires Wagler's ability to stay focused regardless of shooting struggles.