Determined Hyland set to 'thrive' with Clippers after trade

PLAYA VISTA, Calif. — Bones Hyland said he did «jumping jacks» when he learned he was traded to the LA Clippers from Denver, where he feels he was «never» given the opportunity to showcase his playmaking point guard skills.

The Clippers introduced Hyland, guard Eric Gordon and center Mason Plumlee on Monday. Those three were added at the trade deadline to help Kawhi Leonard and Paul George in their pursuit of a championship.

Hyland is a first-round pick whom the Clippers were high on in the 2021 draft. They're hoping the second-year guard, at his best, can provide them with scoring punch off the bench in the same fashion that former Sixth Man of the Year Lou Williams used to deliver.

While George and Marcus Morris Sr. strongly campaigned Friday for the Clippers to add a veteran playmaking point guard like Russell Westbrook with their open roster spot should he seek and receive a buyout with Utah, the veterans are looking forward to what Hyland can bring.

Hyland, who averaged 12.1 points per game this season before falling out of the Denver rotation, says he is ready to show he can do more than he did in Denver.

«For me, I feel like I never had that opportunity to showcase my playmaking ability,» Hyland said Monday before Clippers practice. «And be able to play that point guard role a lot and show that I'm just more than just a scorer. I'm actually a point guard, you know? And I offer that at a high level and if you put me in that position, I'm going to thrive in that position as well.»

Hyland, 22, repeatedly raved about how thrilled he was to be a Clipper and how positive the energy was here where he feels welcomed.

The Nuggets moved Hyland for two second-round picks in 2024 and 2025. Hyland did not play in his final