Reimagining and Restructuring: Ty Lue's New-Look Clippers
Ty Lue, head coach of the LA Clippers, is no stranger to change or challenges, and this season will be no different as he works to reimagine and restructure his team following significant roster changes. One of the most notable shifts this offseason was the departure of star player Paul George, who inked a lucrative four-year, $212-million deal with the Philadelphia 76ers. Losing George means Lue will need to rally his team around a new strategic vision.
"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," said Lue. This sense of skepticism has not dampened Lue's spirits. Instead, it's added fuel to his fire. "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."
The Clippers have brought in some key defensive assets in Derrick Jones Jr., Nicolas Batum, and Kris Dunn. These additions will no doubt have to shoulder some of the heavy lifting on both ends of the court. Jeffrey Van Gundy, who has returned to an NBA sideline for the first time in 17 years, joins as Lue’s top assistant and defensive coordinator. This could be a masterstroke in ensuring that the Clippers remain defensively solid.
"That's what we need," stated Lue. "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."
Jeff Van Gundy's presence will be invaluable, especially considering Lue himself gained recent experience as Team USA's defensive coordinator during the Olympics. That kind of high-pressure experience is something he brings back to the Clippers, aiming to blend various coaching philosophies while enhancing their defensive prowess.
Former college coach Mark Few commended the decision to bring Van Gundy on board, saying, "Jeff is not afraid to share his opinion. It was just a great move.” Their collaboration will be vital for shaping the Clippers' new identity heading into the season. Erik Spoelstra likened Lue’s approach to that of "Russell Crowe in 'A Beautiful Mind,'" indicating Lue’s meticulous attention to detail and strategic acumen.
One major factor in the Clippers' success will be the fitness of Kawhi Leonard. Leonard managed to play 68 of the first 74 games in the 2023-24 season, but his campaign was curtailed by a late-season knee injury. Lue, however, expressed confidence that Leonard will be ready for the upcoming season, noting, "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."
The loss of Paul George indeed casts a shadow, but Lue has opted to see it as an opportunity rather than a setback. “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," said Lue. Yet, he remains undeterred, injecting optimism into the team dynamics.
In a period marked by significant turnover and skepticism, Lue's unwavering resolve will be crucial. His blend of experienced players and strategic minds like Van Gundy, coupled with the infusion of defensive talent, positions the Clippers to potentially defy expectations. "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 asserted, encapsulating his determined mindset for the season ahead.