Los Angeles Clippers head coach Ty Lue is embarking on a significant transformation of his team, driven by substantial changes in the roster. One of the most noteworthy departures is that of Paul George, who has joined the Philadelphia 76ers on a four-year, $212-million deal.
To fill the void left by George, the Clippers have acquired several defensive stalwarts, including Derrick Jones Jr., Nicolas Batum, and Kris Dunn. Lue, who recently served as Team USA’s defensive coordinator during the Olympics, is already putting his defensive expertise to work in restructuring the team.
The Return of Jeff Van Gundy
An intriguing addition to the Clippers' coaching staff is Jeff Van Gundy, who joins as Lue's top assistant and defensive coordinator. Van Gundy's return marks his first time back on an NBA sideline in 17 years. His presence is expected to have a considerable impact on the defensive end, an area where he has always excelled.
"Jeff is not afraid to share his opinion. It was just a great move,” remarked Gonzaga’s Mark Few when reflecting on Van Gundy's appointment.
Lue’s Perspective
Despite the significant changes, Lue remains optimistic about the team's prospects. Commenting on the loss of Paul George, he said, “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. 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 understands that replacing George won't be easy. “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.
A New Defensive Identity
With Van Gundy on board and a roster featuring new defensive talents, Lue aims to establish a robust defensive identity. "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," Lue said.
Kawhi Leonard’s Comeback
In addition to roster changes, the Clippers are also looking forward to the return of Kawhi Leonard, who played an impressive 68 of the first 74 games in the 2023-24 season before a late-season knee injury. “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 will be pivotal for the Clippers, especially with the new defensive structure in place. His presence on the court brings a level of competitiveness and skill that can propel the team to high aspirations.
A Strategic Path Forward
Lue's strategic vision combines a blend of seasoned coaching with the integration of young, defensive-focused talent. His experiences and insights are expected to shape a team committed to excelling on both ends of the court.
"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 stated emphatically.
As the Clippers head into the new season, Ty Lue’s leadership and the new roster additions hold the promise of a compelling journey. With the team's reimagined defensive strategy, the combined expertise of Van Gundy, and Leonard’s highly anticipated return, the Clippers aim not only to defy expectations but to make a significant mark in the league. The upcoming training camp will be the first true test of this new era for the Clippers, one marked by both change and potential.