LOS ANGELES — The Los Angeles Clippers selected Nevada guard Kobe Sanders with the 50th overall pick in the second round of the 2025 NBA Draft on Thursday night, acquiring his rights in a trade with the New York Knicks.
Sanders, a 6-foot-8 playmaker, spent four years at Cal Poly before transferring to Nevada for his final collegiate season. He averaged 15.8 points, 4.5 assists and 3.9 rebounds for the Wolf Pack and earned third-team All-Mountain West honors.
The Clippers moved up one spot to select Sanders, sending a future second-round pick and cash considerations to New York in exchange for the rights to the pick. Los Angeles originally held the 51st selection.
“We’re excited to add Kobe to our organization,” Clippers president of basketball operations Lawrence Frank said in a statement. “He’s a skilled, versatile guard with size and feel who fits the way we want to play.”
Sanders was praised by scouts for his offensive versatility and basketball IQ. Bleacher Report compared his style to that of NBA forward Kyle Kuzma, citing his ability to initiate offense and score at all three levels.
Sanders is expected to join the Clippers’ Summer League roster in Las Vegas next month.