In the ever-evolving landscape of the NBA, the LA Clippers are amid a major transformation, prompted by recent roster changes and the recalibration of their strategic direction under Head Coach Ty Lue. The departure of a pivotal figure like Paul George has undeniably left a void, but Lue and his newly restructured coaching team are intent on proving skeptics wrong.
Ty Lue, who recently sharpened his defensive acumen serving as Team USA's defensive coordinator during the Olympics, is now tasked with integrating a raft of new talents into the Clippers' lineup. Among the noteworthy additions are defensive stalwarts Derrick Jones Jr., Nicolas Batum, and Kris Dunn, whose arrivals signal a renewed emphasis on defense.
Departure of Paul George
Paul George, who was a cornerstone of the Clippers' roster, has taken his talents to the Philadelphia 76ers, signing a lucrative four-year, $212-million deal. This significant loss has naturally led to doubts about the Clippers' competitiveness in George's absence. Ty Lue, however, remains undeterred. “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,” he acknowledges. But Lue views this as a compelling challenge. “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.”
The departure of a player of George's caliber inevitably necessitates a collective effort to fill the gap. Lue underscores the need for a team-oriented approach: “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.”
Kawhi Leonard's Return
Another critical aspect of the Clippers' forthcoming season is the health and readiness of Kawhi Leonard. Leonard showcased his resilience by playing 68 of the first 74 games in the 2023-24 season before a late-season knee injury sidelined him. However, Ty Lue offers optimistic news for Clippers fans: “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.”
Jeff Van Gundy Joins Coaching Staff
In a bid to fortify the coaching staff, Jeff Van Gundy has joined the Clippers as Lue's top assistant and defensive coordinator. This marks Van Gundy's return to an NBA sideline for the first time in 17 years. His wealth of experience could prove pivotal as the team adapts to a new playing style. As Lue puts it, “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.”
Van Gundy's reentry into coaching adds a storied name to Lue's bench, bringing further depth to a team in transition. As Mark Few, a friend of Van Gundy, stated, “Jeff is not afraid to share his opinion. It was just a great move.” Erik Spoelstra, another contemporary, heaped praise on Van Gundy's intellectual prowess, describing him as “like Russell Crowe in 'A Beautiful Mind.’”
A New Direction
Ty Lue's commitment to transforming the Clippers is unequivocal. “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, underscoring his dedication to crafting a meticulous and adaptive game plan.
The Clippers' new defensive acquisitions and coaching adjustments indicate a strategic pivot. Lue is adamant about their potential: “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 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.”
The season ahead promises a blend of challenges and opportunities. Ty Lue, with his refreshed coaching staff and revamped roster, is steadfast in his pursuit of success. “We're going to play winning basketball, and I know we're going to have a chance to be pretty good," he asserts. "It's going to be my job to make sure we get to that point — whatever I have to do.”