Darius Garland’s Arrival Delayed, But Kobe Sanders Is Ready for the Moment
The Clippers have a new All-Star guard in town-but fans will have to wait just a little longer to see him in action. Darius Garland, acquired in a headline-grabbing trade with the Cleveland Cavaliers, is still working his way back from a toe injury and isn’t expected to suit up until early February. That timeline lines up with what we’ve seen since he last played on January 14, and was officially ruled out four days later.
For head coach Tyronn Lue, the plan is clear: stick with what’s worked in Garland’s absence. That means starting rookie Kobe Sanders, just as the Clippers did when James Harden missed time earlier this season. And based on how Sanders has performed, there’s every reason to believe the Clippers can hold steady until Garland is ready to go.
Kobe Sanders Has Earned the Trust
Sanders might not have been a household name when the Clippers selected him in the second round of the 2025 draft, but he’s quickly made a name for himself with his poise and production. Through the season so far, he’s averaging 7.2 points per game while shooting an efficient 46.2% from the field and an impressive 39.8% from three. Those aren’t just solid numbers for a rookie-they’re the kind of stats that earn you real minutes on a team with championship aspirations.
And it’s not just the numbers. It’s the confidence.
In a recent game against the Philadelphia 76ers, Sanders dropped 17 points on 7-of-10 shooting-proof that he’s not just filling in, he’s stepping up. For a young player, that kind of performance under the spotlight says a lot about his readiness.
A Timely Matchup with Cleveland
There’s a bit of poetic timing to all this. The Clippers and Cavaliers only meet twice this season, and the second matchup happens just one day after the Garland trade was finalized. The paperwork is done, the physicals are passed, and now the two trade partners will square off on February 4th.
While fans might have hoped to see Garland face his former team immediately, the timing just doesn’t line up. And that’s okay.
There’s no need to rush Garland back-especially with a toe injury that could easily linger if not handled properly. The Clippers made this move with the long view in mind, and there’s no reason to jeopardize that by pushing him too soon.
Holding It Down Until Garland Returns
In the meantime, Sanders has the keys to the backcourt next to Kawhi Leonard. And while Garland’s eventual debut will bring a new dynamic to the Clippers’ offense, there’s a sense of calm in knowing that the rookie has already proven he can handle the job.
This is the kind of situation where depth matters. The Clippers didn’t just trade for Garland to plug a hole-they added him to a roster that’s already found ways to win with different combinations.
Sanders’ emergence is a big part of that flexibility. He’s not just keeping the seat warm; he’s making a case that he belongs in the rotation even after Garland returns.
So yes, Clippers fans will have to wait a little longer to see their new guard in action. But in the meantime, they’ve got a rookie who’s not just holding down the fort-he’s thriving in it. And that’s a great place to be as the team gears up for the second half of the season.