LA Clippers head coach Tyronn Lue is once again shaking up the NBA narrative. Following significant roster changes, Lue is tasked with leading a revamped Clippers team into a new era. The departure of star forward Paul George, now with the Philadelphia 76ers on a four-year, $212-million deal, has undoubtedly left a void. But if there's one thing Ty Lue relishes, it’s defying expectations.
Rebuilding the Defense
The Clippers have bolstered their defensive lineup with the acquisitions of Derrick Jones Jr., Nicolas Batum, and Kris Dunn, signaling a shift towards a more defensive-minded strategy. Adding further clout to this new defensive paradigm, Jeff Van Gundy, who most recently served as an ESPN analyst, has joined Lue's staff as the top assistant and defensive coordinator. This marks Van Gundy’s first return to an NBA sideline in 17 years.
Lue's admiration for Van Gundy is palpable: "Jeff is not afraid to share his opinion. It was just a great move,” said Mark Few, reflecting on Van Gundy’s commitment and assertiveness. Teaming experienced minds like Lue and Van Gundy creates a formidable coaching duo, one that Lue believes will rejuvenate the Clippers.
"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 pointed out. “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."
Filling the Paul George Void
The reality of losing Paul George is stark. George was a crucial two-way player for the Clippers, providing both scoring and defensive prowess. Ty Lue acknowledges the challenge ahead: “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 stated. “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’s contributions won’t be easy, but he is committed to a collective effort: "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 Kawhi Leonard Factor
In another positive development, Kawhi Leonard, who played 68 of the first 74 games in the 2023–24 season before being sidelined by a late-season knee injury, 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 assured fans and analysts alike.
A New Chapter Begins
Lue’s meticulous approach to basketball strategy is well-known. "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," Lue quipped about his innate drive and attention to detail.
The Clippers' head coach is ready for the next chapter: "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.”
As the Clippers embark on this transformative journey, all eyes will be on how Ty Lue and his new-look team navigate the ups and downs of an NBA season. With a rejuvenated roster and a strengthened coaching staff, the Clippers look poised to surprise many and defy the odds, just as their head coach plans to do.