LA Clippers' head coach Ty Lue is taking bold steps to reshape his squad following a turbulent off-season. The team has undergone significant changes, including the high-profile departure of star forward Paul George. As the Clippers move forward, they have brought in several defensive assets and restructured their coaching staff to navigate the competitive landscape of the NBA.
Departures and Acquisitions
One of the most notable changes is the exit of Paul George, who has joined the Philadelphia 76ers on a lucrative four-year, $212-million deal. Reflecting on George's departure, Lue acknowledged the immediate skepticism surrounding the Clippers' chances, saying, “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.” However, Lue sees this as a personal challenge, adding, "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."
In a bid to replenish their roster, the Clippers have acquired defensive specialists Derrick Jones Jr., Nicolas Batum, and Kris Dunn. These additions reflect Lue's strategy to compensate for the loss of George's defensive prowess. “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 stated.
Coaching Revamp
In another critical move, the Clippers have added Jeff Van Gundy to their coaching roster as Lue's top assistant and defensive coordinator. Van Gundy, who is returning to an NBA sideline for the first time in 17 years, brings a wealth of experience and a formidable defensive mindset. “Jeff is not afraid to share his opinion. It was just a great move,” noted Mark Few, emphasizing Van Gundy's straightforward approach.
Lue himself is no stranger to high-stakes defensive roles. Fresh off his stint as Team USA's defensive coordinator during the Olympics, he is keen to integrate Van Gundy's expertise into the Clippers' new defensive scheme. "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," Lue said.
Leadership and Vision
Lue's vision for the Clippers extends beyond just strategic acquisitions and coaching changes. It involves building a cohesive unit capable of defying expectations. "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," he explained. Lue's emphasis on playing "winning basketball" and his commitment to navigating this transitional phase showcases his leadership's resilient spirit.
Kawhi Leonard's Return
Another critical component for the Clippers' upcoming season is the health and availability of Kawhi Leonard. The superstar played 68 of the first 74 games in the 2023-24 season before being sidelined by a knee injury late in the season. Providing a promising update, Lue stated, "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."
Looking Ahead
The blend of new defensive talent, experienced coaching, and the return of key players sets the stage for a season of renewed hope for the Clippers. Lue's approach is clear and intentional. "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," he affirmed.
The Clippers' upcoming season is packed with uncertainty and excitement. Under Ty Lue's determined leadership and with Jeff Van Gundy's strategic insights, the team is poised to tackle the challenges ahead, ready to prove doubters wrong and carve a new path towards success.