LA Clippers head coach Ty Lue is reimagining and restructuring his team following significant changes in their roster. The most notable change is the departure of star player Paul George, who has joined the Philadelphia 76ers on a four-year, $212-million deal. For Clippers fans, this move may have initially signaled a decreased chance of success, but Lue is both undeterred and motivated.
"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. "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 George's departure, the Clippers have strategically brought in defensive players Derrick Jones Jr., Nicolas Batum, and Kris Dunn. The addition of these players signals a shift in the team’s focus towards a more defensive-centric playstyle. Lue, who recently served as Team USA's defensive coordinator during the Olympics, is well-suited to lead this transformation.
"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 said. The arrival of these new talents provides the Clippers with fresh legs and defensive prowess that could offset the departure of their former star.
Moreover, the team has bolstered its coaching staff by adding Jeff Van Gundy as Lue's top assistant and defensive coordinator. Van Gundy is returning to an NBA sideline for the first time in 17 years, bringing decades of experience and a no-nonsense approach to the Clippers.
"Jeff is not afraid to share his opinion. It was just a great move,” remarked Mark Few, highlighting the value that Van Gundy brings to the team.
A New Collaborative Dynamic
Lue believes that Van Gundy’s presence will be instrumental in navigating this period of transition. “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."
The synergy between Lue and Van Gundy could be a critical factor in the Clippers' ability to adapt and thrive following the loss of George. Lue himself is committed to the journey ahead: "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."
Kawhi Leonard’s Return
Another key element in the Clippers’ strategy is the health and readiness of Kawhi Leonard. Leonard, who played 68 of the first 74 games in the 2023-24 season, was sidelined by a late-season knee injury. Lue has expressed confidence in Leonard’s recovery and his impact on the team's success moving forward.
"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 stated.
With Leonard back in the lineup and a renewed focus on defense, the Clippers have an opportunity to redefine their playing style. “He's like Russell Crowe in 'A Beautiful Mind’,” said Erik Spoelstra, highlighting the cerebral approach Leonard brings to his game.
Ty Lue perfectly encapsulated the task that lies 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."
As the Clippers head into the new season, the changes they've embraced could either be the catalyst for an unexpected surge or part of a broader, longer-term rebuild. However, Lue’s leadership, combined with the defensive acumen of Van Gundy and the renewed vigor of players like Leonard, promise that the Clippers’ journey will be anything but predictable.