The winds of change are sweeping through the LA Clippers' camp this offseason, as head coach Ty Lue undertakes the formidable task of restructuring his team. The Clippers recently experienced significant roster changes, including the high-profile departure of Paul George, who joined the Philadelphia 76ers on a lucrative four-year, $212-million deal. In response, Lue is recalibrating his strategy to ensure the Clippers remain competitive.
A New Defensive Backbone
Integral to this new phase are the fresh defensive assets added to the team's roster: Derrick Jones Jr., Nicolas Batum, and Kris Dunn. These acquisitions mark a shift toward a stronger defensive posture, a vision that Lue is committed to realizing. The coach recently honed his defensive acumen while serving as Team USA's defensive coordinator during the Olympics.
"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 reflected. "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."
Jeff Van Gundy Joins the Fold
A significant addition to the Clippers' coaching staff is Jeff Van Gundy, stepping into the role of Lue's top assistant and defensive coordinator. Van Gundy’s return to the NBA sideline after a 17-year hiatus is notable and timely. "Jeff is not afraid to share his opinion. It was just a great move,” remarked Gonzaga's Mark Few on Van Gundy's appointment.
Lue echoed these sentiments, emphasizing the importance of Van Gundy’s presence: "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."
Rebounding from Injuries
One of the cornerstones of the Clippers, Kawhi Leonard, faced a late-season knee injury after playing 68 of the first 74 games in the 2023-24 season. His fitness is a crucial factor for the team's upcoming campaign. Lue remains optimistic about Leonard’s recovery, stating, "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."
Stepping Up to the Challenge
Despite the setbacks and the significant loss of a player of Paul George's caliber, Lue is unwavering in his confidence. The coach detailed the collaborative approach needed in George’s absence: "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. 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."
This sentiment is not just a strategic outlook but also a personal challenge for Lue, who likened his focus and dedication to that of a movie genius: "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."
For Lue and the Clippers, the upcoming season is not merely about weathering the storm but turning it to their advantage, driven by a meticulously crafted defensive strategy and a collective resolve to exceed expectations. As Lue himself puts it, "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."