Kawhi Leonard's Return and Ty Lue's New Look Clippers
As Ty Lue embarks on reimagining the LA Clippers, the team faces a transformative period following significant roster changes. The departure of Paul George to the Philadelphia 76ers on a lucrative four-year, $212 million deal has left a void that Lue is determined to fill. George’s absence is undeniably impactful, both offensively and defensively, and the Clippers’ approach to overcoming this challenge reflects a strategic reshaping of the team.
"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," remarked Lue, speaking on the gravity of George's departure. "That just challenges me even more... that gives me an extra dose of [motivation]. I can't wait to prove everybody wrong." The head coach's determined outlook underscores the prevailing sentiment within the Clippers' camp—a resolute ambition to thrive against the odds.
Contributing to this new direction is Kawhi Leonard, whose 2023-24 season was marred by a late-season knee injury after an otherwise robust participation in 68 of the first 74 games. Leonard’s readiness for the upcoming season is a crucial element in the Clippers' blueprint. "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.
In response to the gap left by George's exit, the Clippers fortified their defense by acquiring players like Derrick Jones Jr., Nicolas Batum, and Kris Dunn. These additions signal a shift towards a defense-first mentality, a theme that Ty Lue has been focusing on, especially after his stint as Team USA's defensive coordinator during the Olympics. This experience appears to have influenced his current strategy, focusing on crafting a team capable of robust defensive play.
Return of a Veteran Voice
In a move that has garnered considerable attention, Jeff Van Gundy has joined the Clippers as Lue's top assistant and defensive coordinator, marking his return to an NBA sideline after a 17-year hiatus. Van Gundy’s presence is expected to significantly bolster the team’s defensive acumen. "Jeff is not afraid to share his opinion. It was just a great move,” opined Gonzaga’s Mark Few, encapsulating the positive reception of Van Gundy's appointment within the basketball community.
Lue's enthusiasm for Van Gundy’s return is palpable. "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 commented. This partnership, balancing experience and innovation, could be the catalyst for the Clippers’ renewed vigor.
Van Gundy’s meticulous approach to basketball has already begun to resonate with Lue. Describing his new assistant, Lue stated, "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." This level of detail and commitment is precisely what the Clippers need as they navigate this period of transition.
A New Defensive Core
The integration of Derrick Jones Jr., Nicolas Batum, and Kris Dunn is set to redefine the Clippers' defensive identity. Each player brings a unique set of skills to the court, enhancing the team’s overall versatility and resilience. This collective effort is essential in filling the defensive void left by George, who was not just a scorer but a pivotal defensive asset. "When you lose an important piece like Paul, you gotta do it by committee. He's a very huge defensive player for us," Lue acknowledged.
Ty Lue’s confidence in his restructured team remains unwavering. "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." His determination is clear, and his vision for the Clippers is one grounded in resilience and an unyielding pursuit of success.
The upcoming season for the LA Clippers is poised to be one of adaptation and grit. Guided by Ty Lue’s strategic adjustments and bolstered by the seasoned expertise of Jeff Van Gundy, the team is cultivating a defense-oriented culture inspired by both new and returning talents. With Kawhi Leonard gearing up for training camp, the Clippers are positioning themselves to defy expectations and carve out a new path forward in the competitive landscape of the NBA.