LA Clippers head coach Ty Lue is shaking things up once again, demonstrating his expertise in team-building and strategic adjustments. Following significant roster changes, Lue is tasked with reframing a squad that has lost some key elements but also gained critical defensive pieces.
Paul George’s Departure and New Acquisitions
The Clippers have bid farewell to star player Paul George, who has joined the Philadelphia 76ers on a lucrative four-year, $212-million deal. George's absence is certainly a blow, but Lue sees this as an opportunity rather than a setback. "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. "That just challenges me even more... I can't wait to prove everybody wrong."
In response to George's departure, the Clippers have fortified their defense by acquiring Derrick Jones Jr., Nicolas Batum, and Kris Dunn. Lue acknowledges the tough task ahead but emphasizes a collective effort. "When you lose an important piece like Paul, you gotta do it by committee," he asserted. "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."
Reinforcements in Coaching
To assist in this transition, Jeff Van Gundy has joined the Clippers as Lue's top assistant and defensive coordinator. This marks Van Gundy’s return to an NBA sideline for the first time in 17 years. Known for his outspoken nature and keen basketball mind, Van Gundy is expected to bring a wealth of experience and strategic depth to the Clippers’ coaching staff. "He's like Russell Crowe in 'A Beautiful Mind,’" Miami Heat coach Erik Spoelstra once said about Van Gundy’s analytical skills. Gonzaga’s Mark Few also praised the move, stating, "Jeff is not afraid to share his opinion. It was just a great move.”
On the partnership with Van Gundy, Lue noted, "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’s Status
Amid these changes, there is reassuring news for Clippers fans regarding Kawhi Leonard. Despite being sidelined by a late-season knee injury after playing 68 of the first 74 games in the 2023-24 season, Leonard is expected to be ready for 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," Lue confirmed.
A Season of Challenges and Opportunities
Lue’s optimism and determination shine through as he embraces the challenges ahead. "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," Lue fervently stated.
With strategic acquisitions, expert reinforcements on the coaching staff, and key players returning to form, the Clippers are gearing up for a transformative season. Lue concluded, "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."
The upcoming season promises to be an intriguing one as the reconfigured Clippers aim to defy expectations and reassert themselves as serious contenders in the NBA.