Ty Lue’s Summer with Team USA: Preparing for Life After Paul George

Ty Lue’s summer with Team USA wasn’t just about winning gold—it was about preparing for a future with the LA Clippers without Paul George. Spending time in Paris with fellow coaches like Steve Kerr, Erik Spoelstra, and Jeff Van Gundy, Lue learned valuable lessons that could shape his coaching strategies as he faces new challenges in the upcoming NBA season.

1. Expanding Horizons Beyond Basketball

• Mark Few’s Influence: While in Paris, Gonzaga’s head coach Mark Few encouraged Lue to step out of his comfort zone. Despite Few’s attempts to get Lue to explore beyond their hotel, Lue remained focused on basketball, broadening his knowledge instead of sightseeing.
• Learning from the Best: Lue absorbed insights from some of the game’s top coaches. Steve Kerr’s mastery of movement, Erik Spoelstra’s intense preparation, and Few’s one-and-done tournament approach were just some of the strategies Lue picked up during his time with Team USA.

2. Building a New Defensive Strategy

• Partnership with Van Gundy: A key element of Lue’s summer was his collaboration with Jeff Van Gundy, who joined him as the Clippers’ new defensive coordinator. Together, they dove deep into defensive schemes, playsets, and strategies over four dinners in France, crafting a new approach for the Clippers.
• Van Gundy’s Defensive Expertise: Van Gundy, who hasn’t coached in the NBA for 17 years, is known for his defensive acumen. His past teams consistently ranked in the top-six in defensive efficiency, and Lue hopes to leverage this expertise to bolster the Clippers’ defense.

3. Preparing for Life After Paul George

• The Challenge of Losing George: With Paul George now with the Philadelphia 76ers, Lue is tasked with reshaping the Clippers’ gameplay. George was a significant contributor, averaging 22.6 points per game with a 41.3% three-point shooting percentage. His absence leaves a considerable gap that Lue must address.
• Strategizing Without George: Lue began preparing for a new playing style without George, storing over 300 plays on his iPhone. His relentless drive to improve and adapt was compared to Russell Crowe’s portrayal of John Nash in “A Beautiful Mind” by Erik Spoelstra, reflecting Lue’s intense focus on finding solutions.

4. Adapting to a New Team Dynamic

• New Additions: The Clippers have added defensive-minded players like Derrick Jones Jr., Nicolas Batum, and Kris Dunn to compensate for the loss of George. They also signed Kevin Porter Jr., a talented guard with off-court issues that Lue will need to manage.
• Challenges Ahead: The Clippers’ success this season hinges on Kawhi Leonard’s health and the team’s ability to adapt to a new playing style. Lue’s leadership will be crucial as he navigates these challenges, aiming to prove doubters wrong and lead the Clippers to success.

5. The Importance of a Strong Coaching Team

• Van Gundy’s Influence: Van Gundy’s return to the NBA is seen as a significant addition to the Clippers’ coaching staff. His defensive strategies and experience will be vital as Lue works to guide the Clippers through a season of transition.
• Collaborative Coaching: Lue’s relationship with Van Gundy dates back to his playing days, and their mutual respect and shared philosophies will be key to the Clippers’ success. Van Gundy’s deep dive into Clippers’ game footage during their time in Paris underscores his commitment to the team.

6. The Road Ahead

• A New Chapter: As Lue enters his fifth season with the Clippers, he faces the challenge of building a contender without one of his star players. However, his experiences with Team USA have equipped him with new strategies and renewed energy, ready to tackle the season head-on.
• Focus on Winning: Despite the changes, Lue remains confident that the Clippers will play winning basketball. His determination to adapt and lead his team to success, even without George, showcases his resilience as a coach.