LA Clippers head coach Ty Lue is navigating a transformative period for his team, spearheading a structural overhaul following significant roster changes. The departure of Paul George has undoubtedly left a void, one that Lue is addressing through strategic acquisitions and new coaching talent.
A New Defensive Arsenal
The Clippers have bolstered their defensive ranks by bringing in Derrick Jones Jr., Nicolas Batum, and Kris Dunn. These additions are expected to reinforce a team that has prided itself on robust defense, a philosophy championed by Lue, who recently served as Team USA's defensive coordinator during the Olympics.
"When you lose an important piece like Paul, you gotta do it by committee," Lue admitted openly. "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."
Leadership After Loss
Paul George's exit marks a significant shift. Now with the Philadelphia 76ers on a four-year, $212-million deal, George's departure has fueled skepticism about the Clippers' future competitiveness. Lue, however, sees this as an opportunity.
"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," Lue acknowledged. "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."
Van Gundy: A Seasoned Sideline Sage Returns
In a notable move, Jeff Van Gundy joins the Clippers as Lue's top assistant and defensive coordinator. Van Gundy is no stranger to NBA sidelines, although it has been 17 years since he last coached. His return brings renewed experience and a fresh perspective to Lue's team.
"Jeff is not afraid to share his opinion. It was just a great move," said Mark Few, echoing a sentiment felt by many within the organization.
Described by Miami Heat head coach Erik Spoelstra as "like Russell Crowe in 'A Beautiful Mind'," Van Gundy adds a layer of intellectual rigor to the coaching staff. His analytical approach complements Lue's hands-on style, creating a dynamic duo set to reshape the Clippers' defensive strategies.
Lue himself is enthusiastic about the partnership. “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," he emphasized.
Kawhi Leonard's Comeback
Amid these changes, the condition of star player Kawhi Leonard remains a focal point. Leonard played 68 of the first 74 games in the 2023-24 season, showcasing his resilience before a late-season knee injury sidelined him. The silver lining, according to Lue, is Leonard’s preparedness for the upcoming season.
"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," Lue assured fans and analysts alike.
Building a New Era
As Lue navigates this transitional phase, his determination is palpable. He’s not just aiming to rebuild but to redefine what the Clippers can achieve without their former star. "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," Lue declared, setting a resolute tone for the season ahead.
The Clippers’ road ahead may be rife with challenges, but under Lue’s strategic guidance and with Van Gundy’s analytical acumen, the team is poised to carve out a new identity. This next chapter in Clippers' history promises to be one of resilience, reformation, and relentless pursuit of excellence.