LA Clippers head coach Ty Lue is at the helm of a significant transformation within his team, following notable roster changes this offseason. The departure of star player Paul George to the Philadelphia 76ers on a lucrative four-year, $212-million deal has necessitated a strategic overhaul, compelling Lue to rethink and restructure the team's approach.
The Clippers have not been slow to act in light of George's exit. The team has bolstered its defensive ranks by acquiring Derrick Jones Jr., Nicolas Batum, and Kris Dunn, signaling a clear shift in defensive priorities. Furthermore, Ty Lue's recent role as Team USA’s defensive coordinator during the Olympics has undoubtedly enriched his tactical insights, which will be essential as he shapes his new roster.
Jeff Van Gundy Joins the Ranks
In a move that has captured the attention of the NBA community, Jeff Van Gundy has joined the Clippers as Lue's top assistant and defensive coordinator. Marking his return to the NBA sideline for the first time in 17 years, Van Gundy brings a wealth of experience and a reputation for defensive prowess.
"Jeff is not afraid to share his opinion. It was just a great move,” remarked Gonzaga coach Mark Few, highlighting the boldness and brilliance of Van Gundy's addition to the Clippers’ coaching staff.
Ty Lue shared his excitement about the significant coaching acquisition. "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."
Kawhi Leonard: A Key Factor
The Clippers will also rely heavily on the leadership and skills of Kawhi Leonard. Leonard’s resilience has been noteworthy; he played 68 of the first 74 games in the 2023-24 season before a late-season knee injury paused his momentum. However, Lue has reassured fans that Leonard will be fully ready for the Clippers’ training camp. "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."
New Challenges and Renewed Motivation
Lue remains undeterred by the challenges presented by George's departure. "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. Yet, this sentiment only amplifies his motivation. "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."
Furthermore, Lue emphasizes the need for a collective effort in George's absence. "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."
A New Era of Winning Basketball
Despite these challenges, Ty Lue is confident about his team’s prospects. "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." With the combined efforts of Van Gundy, the newly acquired defensive stalwarts, and a determined Leonard, Lue is poised to lead the Clippers into a new era of competitiveness and success.
Lue’s dedication and strategic thought process were humorously highlighted by Miami Heat coach Erik Spoelstra, who compared him to Russell Crowe's character in 'A Beautiful Mind’. "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 quipped.
As the Clippers prepare for the upcoming season, Lue's vision and leadership will be crucial in guiding the team through this transition. His strategic acumen, coupled with the seasoned expertise of Van Gundy, promises an exciting and potentially successful period for the LA Clippers.