Ty Lue is embarking on a pivotal season as he reconfigures the LA Clippers roster following a series of significant moves. The departure of Paul George has necessitated a new blueprint, and Lue is resolute in his mission to steer the Clippers towards success, starting with the acquisition of key defensive players Derrick Jones Jr., Nicolas Batum, and Kris Dunn.
Changing Tides for the Clippers
George's exit to the Philadelphia 76ers on a four-year, $212-million deal has left a considerable void. Lue acknowledges the challenges ahead but is unfazed. "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 noted, adding, "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."
Paul George's contributions can't be understated – his defensive prowess, scoring abilities, and playmaking have been integral. "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 stated.
Reinforcements and Strategic Shifts
In response to George's departure, the Clippers have reinforced their ranks with defensively adept players, signaling a shift in strategy. Derrick Jones Jr., Nicolas Batum, and Kris Dunn are recent additions that Lue believes will bolster the team’s defensive front.
Compounding this strategic shift is the arrival of Jeff Van Gundy as Lue's top assistant and defensive coordinator. Van Gundy returns to an NBA sideline after a 17-year hiatus. "Jeff is not afraid to share his opinion. It was just a great move," remarked Mark Few, reflecting the sentiment of many in the basketball community who see Van Gundy's return as a major coup for the Clippers.
Lue, having served as Team USA's defensive coordinator during the Olympics, is enthusiastic about integrating Van Gundy into the Clippers’ coaching fabric. "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 said.
Leadership and Vision
Lue’s commitment is evident as he tackles the team's restructuring with vigor. He’s described as a “basketball film rat,” meticulously analyzing games and plans. "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 shared, emphasizing his dedication to refining every aspect of the game.
Even amid the challenges, Lue's spirit remains indomitable. "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," he affirmed.
Kawhi Leonard's Return
One crucial element of the Clippers' potential success hinges on Kawhi Leonard’s health. Leonard appeared in 68 of the first 74 games of the 2023-24 season before a knee injury sidelined him. Lue, however, is optimistic about Leonard's recovery. "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.
In this season of transition, Ty Lue’s leadership and strategic acumen will be critical. The loss of George is significant, but with the strategic acquisitions and the revival of Jeff Van Gundy's expertise, Lue is preparing the Clippers for a redefined path forward, driven by resilience and an unyielding commitment to success.