The LA Clippers are rolling the dice on a low-risk, high-upside addition-and it just might pay off. Dalano Banton, the 6-foot-8 point guard who showed flashes of scoring brilliance with the Portland Trail Blazers last season, has signed a 10-day contract with the Clippers. And while it’s a short-term deal on paper, there’s a real chance it turns into something more.
Banton isn’t a household name, but he’s far from a mystery to those who’ve followed his journey. After stops with the Toronto Raptors, Boston Celtics, and most recently the Blazers, the 26-year-old guard has carved out a reputation as a long, versatile playmaker who can get buckets and make things happen with the ball in his hands. His career averages-6.8 points in just under 15 minutes per game-don’t jump off the page, but they also don’t tell the full story.
Let’s rewind to his stint in Portland during the 2023-24 season. In 30 games, Banton averaged 16.7 points, 4.8 rebounds, and 3.6 assists while shooting 40.8% from the field.
Those numbers are more than just respectable-they’re the kind of stats that turn heads in front offices across the league. For Clippers president Lawrence Frank, they were enough to take a swing.
What makes this move even more intriguing is Banton’s recent resurgence in the G League. Playing for the Texas Legends, he’s looked sharp, confident, and ready for another shot at the big stage. And at just 26, he still has time to grow into the kind of player who can contribute meaningfully to a playoff contender.
For the Clippers, this is a smart play. Banton offers a unique blend of size, vision, and scoring ability off the bench-something that could give the second unit a much-needed spark. With defenses locked in on stars like Kawhi Leonard, John Collins, and Derrick Jones Jr., Banton could fly under the radar and do some real damage in limited minutes.
And don’t forget-he’s already shown he can deliver in crunch time. Just last April, during the final stretch of the season with Toronto, Banton scored in double figures in six of his last seven games.
He dropped 23 points twice, handed out assists, and even tallied a four-block game against the Hawks. That kind of late-season production speaks to a player who knows how to rise to the occasion.
What stands out most about Banton is how well he uses his frame. At 6-foot-8, he’s a matchup problem at the point guard spot.
He can see over defenders, finish through contact, and guard multiple positions. That versatility gives the Clippers options, especially in defensive schemes like zone coverage or when rotating help-side defenders.
He also figures to be a strong fit alongside young wings like Jordan Miller and Kobe Sanders. His ability to initiate offense and make smart reads could open up clean looks for both players, while his length and instincts make him a natural complement on the defensive end.
Of course, this is just a 10-day contract. Banton will have to earn his keep, and there’s no guarantee he sticks around. But if he can replicate even a fraction of what he did in Portland-or channel the energy he showed in the G League-he could be one of those under-the-radar pickups that quietly shifts the trajectory of a season.
For a Clippers team looking to solidify its depth and maintain momentum heading into the stretch run, this is a move that makes a lot of sense. Banton brings upside, experience, and a chip on his shoulder. And sometimes, that’s exactly the kind of player who makes the most of an opportunity.