LA Clippers head coach Ty Lue is embarking on a significant overhaul of his team's strategy and roster, in a bid to keep the Clippers competitive amid substantial changes. The team has made headlines with the departure of star player Paul George and the acquisition of defensive assets, including Derrick Jones Jr., Nicolas Batum, and Kris Dunn.
Revamping the Defensive Line
Lue's recent tenure as Team USA's defensive coordinator during the Olympics has equipped him with fresh perspectives on defense, which he aims to bring to the Clippers. To reinforce this shift, Jeff Van Gundy has joined the Clippers as Lue's top assistant and defensive coordinator. Van Gundy, returning to the NBA sidelines for the first time in 17 years, is expected to be a pivotal figure in Lue's restructured team.
"He's like Russell Crowe in 'A Beautiful Mind,’" said Miami Heat coach Erik Spoelstra, reflecting on Van Gundy's analytical prowess. Mark Few, head coach at Gonzaga University, echoed these sentiments: "Jeff is not afraid to share his opinion. It was just a great move.”
Impact of Paul George's Departure
Paul George's move to the Philadelphia 76ers on a four-year, $212-million deal has left a substantial gap in the Clippers' lineup. Lue acknowledges the challenge but remains undeterred. "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.
However, Lue views this as an opportunity rather than a setback. "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." His determination is evident as he prepares to lead his team into a new era.
A Team Effort
Replacing a player of George's caliber will not be easy, and Lue is realistic about the effort required. "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 admitted.
The head coach is optimistic about the new additions to the roster and how they will fit into the team's revised game plan. "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 stated.
Van Gundy's arrival is an integral part of this strategy shift. "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," Lue said, expressing confidence in his new assistant's ability to bolster the team's defense.
Kawhi Leonard's Comeback
Adding to the team's challenges, Kawhi Leonard was sidelined by a knee injury after playing 68 of the first 74 games in the 2023-24 season. Despite this setback, Lue remains confident in Leonard's return. "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," he reassured fans.
A New Chapter
Ty Lue is not shying away from the tough road ahead. With the loss of Paul George and the revamping of the roster, he understands that the Clippers will need to adopt a fresh 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," he asserted.
With a blend of new talent and seasoned strategy, Lue and the Clippers aim to redefine their game. The upcoming season will be crucial in determining whether this reset can propel them to new heights in the NBA. The pieces are in place; now it's up to Lue, Van Gundy, and the team to execute their vision.