At the crossroads of the upcoming NBA season, LA Clippers head coach Ty Lue finds himself in familiar territory — reimagining and restructuring his team following significant changes in their roster. With the departure of Paul George and the acquisition of defensive staples Derrick Jones Jr., Nicolas Batum, and Kris Dunn, the Clippers enter a new era of anticipation, challenge, and opportunity.
The Olympic Influence
Ty Lue's recent stint as Team USA's defensive coordinator during the Olympics wasn't just a prestigious appointment — it was a learning experience. Teaming up with coaching virtuosos like Steve Kerr and Erik Spoelstra, Lue didn't just contribute to the tactical discussions; he absorbed invaluable lessons. "He's like Russell Crowe in 'A Beautiful Mind,’” Spoelstra remarked about Lue’s analytical prowess.
During his time with Team USA, Lue observed Kerr’s masterful command of movement and Spoelstra’s intense preparation. More importantly, he got a fresh perspective on coaching through a one-and-done tournament lens, courtesy of Mark Few’s encouragement to reconnect with the essence of the game outside his NBA responsibilities.
Jeff Van Gundy Joins the Clippers
Another significant development for the Clippers is the arrival of Jeff Van Gundy, marking his return to an NBA sideline for the first time in 17 years. Van Gundy will serve as Lue's top assistant and defensive coordinator. The camaraderie between Lue and Van Gundy, nurtured over four dinners in France, promises to bring a tactical edge to the Clippers. "Jeff is not afraid to share his opinion. It was just a great move,” said Few.
This partnership extends beyond professional respect. Lue jested about Van Gundy’s dedication, "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." The shared passion for basketball and mutual respect underscore their collaboration, as the two were often seen together discussing playsets, pick-and-roll strategies, and transition defensive schemes during their Olympic tenure.
Resilient Mindset Amid Changes
Lue faces the daunting task of integrating new players while compensating for George's absence. The challenge, however, only fuels his resolve. “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 said. “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 recent move to the Philadelphia 76ers on a four-year, $212-million deal has undeniably reshaped the Clippers’ roster. Lue acknowledges the magnitude of this loss, noting, "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."
A New Era for the Clippers
Despite these changes, Lue and Van Gundy's combined leadership aims to keep the Clippers competitive. The team is set to adopt a different style of play, catering to their new roster's dynamics and focusing on solidifying their defense. Defense has always been a hallmark of Van Gundy’s coaching — his teams consistently ranked in the top-six in defensive efficiency.
"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," Lue emphasized. "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."
Kawhi Leonard's health also adds an element of unpredictability. Leonard played 68 of the first 74 games in the 2023-24 season but was sidelined by a late-season knee injury, which kept him out of the final eight games. Yet, Lue remains optimistic, 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."
The Road Ahead
As the Clippers embark on this new chapter, the focus remains on cohesion, strategic innovation, and relentless dedication. With Lue’s strategic mind and Van Gundy’s defensive acumen, the Clippers are poised not only to adapt but to thrive despite the challenges. Lue’s ultimate goal is clear: "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."
The Clippers’ journey ahead is one of resilience, adaptation, and the unwavering pursuit of excellence as they look to redefine their path in the competitive landscape of the NBA.