Ty Lue Looks to Rebuild Clippers Amidst Roster Changes
LA Clippers head coach Ty Lue is facing a new set of challenges and opportunities this NBA season as he begins the process of reimagining and restructuring his team. The Clippers are undergoing significant roster changes, most notably the departure of their star player, Paul George, who has joined the Philadelphia 76ers on a four-year, $212-million deal.
In the wake of George's exit, the Clippers have bolstered their defensive lineup by acquiring Derrick Jones Jr., Nicolas Batum, and Kris Dunn. Known for their tenacity on the defensive end, these new additions will play crucial roles as Lue and his coaching staff look to maintain competitive edge.
Moreover, Ty Lue has an ace up his sleeve with the hiring of Jeff Van Gundy as his top assistant and defensive coordinator. Van Gundy's return to an NBA sideline is noteworthy, marking his first coaching role in 17 years. Lue recently praised Van Gundy, saying, "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."
Despite the significant loss of an influential player, Lue remains optimistic about the future. "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. However, he views this as a challenge, stating, "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."
One notable player who will be instrumental in the Clippers' campaign is Kawhi Leonard. Leonard had a solid 2023-24 season, playing 68 of the first 74 games before being sidelined with a knee injury late in the season. Encouragingly, Lue has indicated that Leonard will be ready for the Clippers' 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 confirmed.
The acquisitions and coaching adjustments reflect Lue’s strategic approach to compensate for George's departure. "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.
Lue's commitment to defensive prowess is well-documented, having recently served as Team USA's defensive coordinator during the Olympics. His experience will undoubtedly be invaluable as the Clippers transition into this new phase. "He's a basketball film rat," Lue said, light-heartedly describing himself. "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."
As he embarks on this journey, Lue embodies the spirit of a determined leader who thrives on adversity. "We're going to play winning basketball, and I know we're going to have a chance to be pretty good," he concluded. "It's going to be my job to make sure we get to that point — whatever I have to do."
With a revitalized roster and a new coaching dynamic, the Clippers are poised to navigate this season with renewed vigor. Jeff Van Gundy's return, along with the strategic acquisitions, sets the stage for an intriguing NBA campaign under Ty Lue's stewardship.