LA Clippers head coach Ty Lue is navigating a period of transition, reimagining and restructuring his team in the wake of significant roster changes. With the departure of Paul George and the acquisition of defensive stalwarts Derrick Jones Jr., Nicolas Batum, and Kris Dunn, Lue is tasked with molding a new identity for the Clippers.
Paul George's move to the Philadelphia 76ers on a four-year, $212-million deal has undoubtedly left a significant void. Reflecting on the impact of this departure, Lue acknowledges the challenges 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 commented. Yet, rather than succumbing to doubt, he finds motivation in proving skeptics wrong. “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.”
In the offseason, Lue sought reinforcement by bringing in Jeff Van Gundy as his top assistant and defensive coordinator. Van Gundy returns to the NBA sidelines after a 17-year hiatus. With his extensive experience and reputation, Van Gundy's inclusion marks a strategic move for the team. Lue expressed enthusiasm about the addition, stating, “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 and Van Gundy share a long-standing relationship, bound by mutual respect and a common goal. “Jeff is not afraid to share his opinion. It was just a great move,” said Mark Few, underscoring Van Gundy's candid and straightforward approach.
Despite the roster overhaul, the Clippers' strategy is not to replace George with a single player but to approach the challenge collectively. “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 acquisitions of Jones Jr., Batum, and Dunn are integral to this committee approach, reinforcing the team's defensive capabilities.
Additionally, Lue's leadership roles have expanded beyond the NBA courts. Recently serving as Team USA's defensive coordinator during the Olympics, Lue brings a wealth of international experience to his coaching arsenal. Such experiences underscore his strategic versatility and commitment to defensive rigor — elements he plans to infuse into the Clippers' gameplay.
Meanwhile, Kawhi Leonard's health remains a critical concern for the Clippers. Despite playing 68 of the first 74 games in the 2023-24 season, Leonard was sidelined by a late-season knee injury. Lue remains optimistic about Leonard's return, assuring fans, “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's confidence in Leonard’s readiness and the overall potential of the revamped team is palpable. “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 emphasized.
The Clippers' upcoming season is poised to be one of adaptation and ambitious renewal. Lue’s resolve to confront and overcome adversity is clear, setting the stage for what promises to be an intriguing and competitive journey ahead for the team.