LA Clippers' head coach Ty Lue is facing substantial changes as he reimagines and restructures his team following notable roster adjustments. The departure of Paul George marks a significant shift for the Clippers, leaving them in need of reorientation and redirection. Despite the challenges, Lue shows no signs of backing down.
Revamping the Roster
With Paul George headed to the Philadelphia 76ers on a lucrative four-year, $212-million deal, the Clippers have brought in fresh talent to fill the void. Defensive players Derrick Jones Jr., Nicolas Batum, and Kris Dunn have joined the lineup, setting the stage for a revised defensive strategy.
Adding to the seismic shift is the return of Jeff Van Gundy to the NBA sidelines as Lue's top assistant and defensive coordinator. This marks Van Gundy's first stint on an NBA bench in 17 years. His expertise is expected to play a pivotal role in anchoring the Clippers' defense, especially in the absence of George. As colleague Mark Few noted, "Jeff is not afraid to share his opinion. It was just a great move."
Leadership Transition
Ty Lue's recent role as Team USA's defensive coordinator during the Olympics has undoubtedly sharpened his strategic acumen. His commitment to studying the craft is evident. "He's a basketball film rat. He's calling me, asking me questions, offensively, defensively, all the different things about game 17 [of last season]. I don't remember that s---. But he's locked into all that," Lue remarked, illustrating his relentless pursuit of excellence.
The loss of Paul George is not just a gap in talent but a psychological hurdle for the team. Lue acknowledges the widespread doubt surrounding the Clippers' prospects. “When you lose a guy of Paul George's stature, instantly people [think] oh, they can't win or they're not going to be competitive.” It’s a perception Lue is determined to disprove. "That just challenges me even more. OK, people are counting us out or people don't think we're going to be good. That right there just gives me an extra dose of [motivation]. I can't wait to prove everybody wrong."
Strategic Shifts
Navigating through this transition will not be easy. "When you lose an important piece like Paul, you gotta do it by committee. He's a very huge defensive player for us, handling the ball, scoring the basketball, making plays. So losing him is going to be tough," Lue admitted. The team will have to adjust to a different style of play, integrating the new defensive strengths brought in by Derrick Jones Jr., Nicolas Batum, and Kris Dunn.
Lue is optimistic about the adjustments, especially with Van Gundy's experience front and center. "That's what we need. Losing PG, starting over with a younger team and doing things the right way — it's going to take both of us to really get our guys on track. The addition of Jeff is going to be huge for us. The pieces that we added this year, we got to play a different style. But we're going to play winning basketball and I know we're going to have a chance to be pretty good."
Kawhi Leonard's Return
Adding another layer to the Clippers' narrative is the status of Kawhi Leonard. Leonard had played 68 of the first 74 games in the 2023-24 season but was sidelined by a knee injury late in the season. His health has been a pivotal concern for the Clippers' upcoming season. Ty Lue recently provided an encouraging update: "I speak to him all the time. He'll be ready for [Clippers] training camp. He's feeling good and I know he'll be ready." Leonard’s return is not just a boost in skill but also in morale for the team.
Lue’s vision for the Clippers is clear and unwavering, despite the hurdles. "We're going to play winning basketball, and I know we're going to have a chance to be pretty good. It's going to be my job to make sure we get to that point — whatever I have to do."
The forthcoming season stands as both a challenge and an opportunity for the LA Clippers. With fresh talent, strategic leadership, and a determined coach at the helm, the team seeks to defy naysayers and carve out a new path forward.