LA Clippers head coach Ty Lue is embarking on a new era for the team, one defined by significant changes to their roster and strategic adjustments. The departure of Paul George has, unsurprisingly, altered the team’s dynamics, but Lue is not one to shy away from a challenge.
"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 remarked. "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 Acquisitions
With George now donning the Philadelphia 76ers jersey as part of a lucrative four-year, $212-million deal, the Clippers have bolstered their roster with strong defensive assets. Derrick Jones Jr., Nicolas Batum, and Kris Dunn have been brought in to fill the considerable void left by George.
"When you lose an important piece like Paul, you gotta do it by committee," Lue acknowledged. "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."
New Faces and New Roles
However, the Clippers are not only rethinking their player strategy but also their coaching dynamics. Jeff Van Gundy, who has been away from the NBA sidelines for 17 years, has taken on the role of Lue's top assistant and defensive coordinator. This decision to bring in Van Gundy comes after Lue himself served as Team USA's defensive coordinator during the Olympics, adding another layer of defensive expertise to the team.
"Jeff is not afraid to share his opinion. It was just a great move," said Mark Few in support of the hire. Van Gundy's basketball acumen is highly regarded, and his return to the bench marks a significant step for the Clippers.
"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," Lue emphasized.
Kawhi's Return
Another critical element in the Clippers' strategy is the health and readiness of star player Kawhi Leonard. Leonard managed to play 68 of the first 74 games in the 2023-24 season before a knee injury sidelined him. However, Lue is optimistic about Leonard's return to form.
"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 confirmed.
An Optimistic Future
The transformation within the Clippers' camp comes with predictable skepticism from the broader NBA community. Nevertheless, Lue's passion for overcoming these challenges is palpable.
"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 reflected. This dedication to the game, combined with a hunger to defy expectations, positions the Clippers uniquely in the upcoming season.
"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.
The Clippers are undeniably in a phase of reconstruction, but under Ty Lue’s determined leadership and with an infusion of new talent and strategic expertise, the team is gearing up to potentially surprise their critics. As the new faces blend with seasoned veterans, the forthcoming season promises an intriguing script for the LA Clippers.