Restructuring the Clippers: Ty Lue's New Vision
In the wake of significant roster changes, LA Clippers head coach Ty Lue is tasked with reimagining and restructuring his team. The departure of Paul George has been a seismic shift for the Clippers, leaving a void that Lue is keenly aware of. George has joined the Philadelphia 76ers on a four-year, $212-million deal, prompting Lue to recalibrate his strategy.
"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."
However, this reshuffling isn't solely a defensive maneuver. Acquiring defensive stalwarts like Derrick Jones Jr., Nicolas Batum, and Kris Dunn, Lue aims to build a fortress around the basket while also balancing the offensive lineup. "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 explained.
Welcome Jeff Van Gundy
To bolster his coaching staff, Lue has added a prominent figure to his ranks: Jeff Van Gundy. Returning to an NBA sideline for the first time in 17 years, Van Gundy joins the Clippers as Lue's top assistant and defensive coordinator.
"Jeff is not afraid to share his opinion. It was just a great move," said Gonzaga's Mark Few. Team USA experience also features prominently in their combined coaching pedigree, with Lue serving as the defensive coordinator during the recent Olympics. Van Gundy's return, coupled with Lue's recent international experience, provides a promising foundation for the Clippers' defensive strategies.
Lue expressed confidence in Van Gundy's addition, citing the necessity of cohesion and expertise: "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. 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."
Kawhi Leonard's Comeback
The Clippers are also eagerly awaiting the return of Kawhi Leonard, who played 68 of the first 74 games in the 2023-24 season before being sidelined by a late-season knee injury. Leonard's presence will be critical for the Clippers' aspirations in the upcoming season.
"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 assured. Leonard's return promises to add firepower and stability to a team already poised to make a significant impact.
Redefining the Path Ahead
The challenges ahead are substantial, but Lue exudes confidence and determination in his approach. "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.
One thing is clear: this upcoming season for the Clippers is set to be a defining one. With new defensive assets and seasoned expertise on the coaching staff, Lue and his restructured team are ready to embrace the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead. "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 humorously noted, highlighting his meticulous attention to detail as he spearheads this new era.
The Clippers, risen from the shakes of a transformative off-season, remain steadfast. As Ty Lue and Jeff Van Gundy align their vision, and with Kawhi Leonard's return on the horizon, the Clippers are set to navigate their journey with renewed vigor and determination. The consensus is clear: underestimate this team at your own peril.