Big Changes for the LA Clippers Under Ty Lue's Restructuring
The LA Clippers are undergoing an extensive transformation under the guidance of head coach Ty Lue. Following substantial changes in the team's roster, Lue has taken on the challenge of reimagining and restructuring the Clippers to maintain their competitive edge in the NBA.
One of the most seismic shifts for the Clippers is the departure of star player Paul George. George has opted for a new chapter in his career, signing a four-year, $212-million deal with the Philadelphia 76ers. Ty Lue has spoken candidly about the impact of losing a player of George's caliber. "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. The void left by George is substantial, but Lue sees it as a challenge that fuels his motivation even more. "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."
Part of the team's new defensive arsenal includes acquisitions like Derrick Jones Jr., Nicolas Batum, and Kris Dunn, all known for their defensive prowess. Lue acknowledges the uphill task ahead and emphasizes a collective effort to fill the gap left by George. "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. However, he remains confident in the new additions, stating, "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."
Adding to the Clippers' revamped strategy is the return of Jeff Van Gundy to the NBA sidelines after a 17-year hiatus. Van Gundy, renowned for his defensive acumen, joins Lue's staff as the top assistant and defensive coordinator. His experience and willingness to voice his opinions have been noted by his peers. "Jeff is not afraid to share his opinion. It was just a great move," said Gonzaga head coach Mark Few. Van Gundy's return is a significant boost for the team, providing the defensive expertise necessary to complement Lue's strategic vision.
Lue himself brings a wealth of recent defensive experience, having recently served as Team USA's defensive coordinator during the Olympics. Team USA head coach Erik Spoelstra praised Lue's analytical prowess, comparing him to "Russell Crowe in 'A Beautiful Mind’." This dual emphasis on defensive rigor from both Lue and Van Gundy is set to fortify the Clippers' approach as they navigate the upcoming season.
Despite the season ending prematurely for Kawhi Leonard due to a late-season knee injury, there is optimism surrounding his return. Leonard, who played 68 of the first 74 games in the 2023-24 season, is reportedly on track to be ready for training camp. Lue confirmed, "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." Leonard's return will undoubtedly bolster the Clippers' lineup, offering a blend of veteran experience and star power.
Ty Lue's commitment to crafting a competitive team despite the considerable changes is evident in his resolve to adapt and innovate. He acknowledges the road ahead will be challenging, but his focus remains unwavering. "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 confidently.
The Clippers head into the new season with a mix of seasoned players, promising new talents, and a revamped coaching strategy designed to meet the league's demands. As Lue prepares his team for this chapter, the basketball world will be watching closely to see how his efforts unfold on the court.