LA Clippers head coach Ty Lue is embarking on a transformative journey as significant changes have shaped the team’s roster. This off-season has been anything but dull for the Clippers, with the departure of a key player and the acquisition of new defensive talents.
Reimagining the Roster
A seismic shift took place when Paul George exited the Clippers, joining the Philadelphia 76ers on a lucrative four-year, $212-million deal. This departure left a noticeable void in the team's structure, but Lue, ever the strategic mind, views it as 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 said. He added with a determined resolve, “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.”
New Defensive Assets
In response to the loss of George, the Clippers have bolstered their defense by bringing in Derrick Jones Jr., Nicolas Batum, and Kris Dunn. Each player comes with a strong defensive acumen that Lue hopes to leverage in reconstructing the team’s defensive strategies. "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,” Lue commented, emphasizing the fresh start and promising potential.
Jeff Van Gundy’s Return
The Clippers' staff has also been fortified with a notable addition. Jeff Van Gundy, returning to an NBA sideline for the first time in 17 years, has joined Lue's team as the top assistant and defensive coordinator. Known for his candidness, Van Gundy is set to bring a wealth of experience and an unfiltered perspective to the Clippers. “Jeff is not afraid to share his opinion. It was just a great move,” said Mark Few, reflecting on Van Gundy’s no-nonsense approach. Given Van Gundy's track record and expertise, this move is a strategic endeavor to enhance the Clippers’ defense into a formidable force. “He's a basketball film rat. He's calling me, asking me questions...I don't remember that s---. But he's locked into all that,” Lue shared, illustrating Van Gundy’s commitment and meticulous attention to detail.
Kawhi Leonard's Status
Amidst these changes, the Clippers have also had to navigate the uncertainties surrounding Kawhi Leonard, who played 68 of the first 74 games in the 2023-24 season but faced a late-season knee injury. However, Lue has alleviated concerns regarding Leonard's fitness, stating unequivocally, “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.”
A New Season of Potential
Lue’s outlook remains optimistic despite the obstacles. He acknowledges the significance of George’s departure but sees the reshaped roster as an opportunity to innovate and compete. “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,” he admitted. Yet, there's a palpable sense of determination in Lue’s plan for the future. “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 asserted confidently.
As the Clippers gear up for training camp and the upcoming season, Lue's strategic ingenuity and the fresh dynamic brought by the new signings and coaching staff present a compelling narrative for fans and analysts alike. The upcoming season promises to be a testament to the resilience and adaptive prowess of Ty Lue and his reimagined Clippers squad.