Los Angeles Clippers head coach Ty Lue is making big moves to reimagine and restructure his team in the wake of significant changes to their roster. The most notable alteration comes with the departure of star player Paul George, who has joined the Philadelphia 76ers on a four-year, $212-million deal. The loss of George, a pivotal defensive player and scorer, poses a challenge that Lue is eager to tackle.
Rebuilding the Roster
In response to George's exit, Lue has sought to bolster his team’s defensive capabilities by acquiring Derrick Jones Jr., Nicolas Batum, and Kris Dunn. Each of these players is known for their defensive prowess, signaling a strategic pivot by Lue to fortify the team’s defense. "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 acknowledged. "That just challenges me even more...I can't wait to prove everybody wrong."
Despite the setback, Lue's optimism is palpable. "When you lose an important piece like Paul, you gotta do it by committee," he said. "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."
Strategic Changes and New Additions
The Clippers' efforts to reset and compete at a high level don't end with their player acquisitions. In a significant strategic move, Lue has brought Jeff Van Gundy onboard as his top assistant and defensive coordinator. This appointment marks Van Gundy's return to an NBA sideline for the first time in 17 years. Van Gundy's expertise is seen as a substantial asset for a team needing to reshape its identity post-George. "Jeff is not afraid to share his opinion. It was just a great move," said Mark Few, giving a nod to this savvy addition.
Lue's personal history with defense adds more depth to the Clippers' strategy. Having recently served as Team USA's defensive coordinator during the Olympics, Lue is no stranger to crafting formidable defenses. Erik Spoelstra, who worked closely with Lue at the Olympics, likens him to "Russell Crowe in 'A Beautiful Mind'" for his deep basketball intellect.
The Kawhi Leonard Factor
Another essential piece in the Clippers’ puzzle is Kawhi Leonard. Leonard managed to play 68 of the first 74 games in the 2023-24 season before a knee injury sidelined him late in the season. Lue is confident that Leonard will be ready for training camp, 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."
A New Chapter for the Clippers
Lue acknowledges the task ahead is daunting but is relishing the challenge. "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."
His determination to keep the Clippers competitive is evident. "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."
In a transitional phase marked by significant departures and new acquisitions, Ty Lue's leadership will undoubtedly be tested. But with a revamped roster and the strategic mind of Jeff Van Gundy at his side, Lue appears ready to usher in a new era for the Clippers, one defined by resilience, adaptability, and a staunch commitment to proving the doubters wrong.